In a pulsating climax to the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League, Portugal emerged victorious against Spain, winning 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a thrilling 2-2 draw at Munich’s iconic Allianz Arena on June 8, 2025.
The final, hosted in Germany, showcased an electrifying Iberian derby, pitting Portugal’s seasoned resilience, led by the evergreen Cristiano Ronaldo, against Spain’s youthful exuberance, spearheaded by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. The match, a spectacle of tactical ingenuity and raw passion, captivated a global audience, reinforcing the Nations League’s status as a premier international competition. Portugal’s triumph, their second title after the inaugural 2019 victory, marked a historic moment, making them the first nation to claim the trophy twice, while Spain’s valiant effort fell just short of defending their 2023 crown.
The Allianz Arena, bathed in the glow of 70,000 fervent fans, set the stage for a contest that lived up to its billing. Portugal, under coach Roberto Martínez, adopted a versatile 4-2-3-1 formation, relying on Ronaldo’s predatory instincts and the creative spark of Bruno Fernandes. Spain, guided by Luis de la Fuente, countered with a fluid 4-3-3, leaning on Yamal’s dazzling wing play and Mikel Merino’s midfield tenacity.
The first half saw Spain assert early dominance, with Yamal tormenting Nuno Mendes. In the 18th minute, Yamal’s incisive run and pinpoint cross found Mikel Oyarzabal, who headed past Diogo Costa to give Spain a deserved lead. Portugal responded with urgency, as Ronaldo tested Unai Simón with a fierce volley, only for the Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper to tip it over. The equalizer arrived in the 38th minute, when Fernandes’ deft free-kick was met by Rúben Dias, whose towering header leveled the score, igniting Portugal’s supporters.
The second half unfolded with relentless intensity, as both sides traded blows. Spain regained the lead in the 55th minute through a moment of brilliance from Pedri. The Barcelona midfielder, collecting a pass from Merino, unleashed a curling shot from 20 yards that nestled into the top corner, beyond Costa’s reach. Portugal, undeterred, pressed for parity, with substitute Francisco Conceição injecting pace. Their persistence paid off in the 72nd minute, when Ronaldo, defying his 40 years, latched onto a through-ball from Vitinha and slotted a composed finish past Simón, sparking wild celebrations. Extra time saw both teams create chances, with Yamal striking the post and Costa denying Oyarzabal’s close-range effort, but the deadlock persisted, setting the stage for a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Portugal’s composure shone through. Diogo Costa, the hero of their 2019 triumph, saved penalties from Joselu and Merino, while Ronaldo, Fernandes, Gonçalo Ramos, and João Palhinha converted with precision. Spain’s Yamal and Pedri scored, but the misses proved costly, handing Portugal the victory. Martínez hailed Costa’s “ice-cold mentality” and Ronaldo’s leadership, noting the team’s ability to overcome a formidable opponent. De la Fuente, gracious in defeat, praised Spain’s resilience, singling out Yamal’s “generational talent” and expressing optimism for their 2026 World Cup campaign. The match, broadcast across platforms like RTVE in Spain, RTP in Portugal, and FOX in the USA, drew millions, underscoring the Nations League’s growing prestige.
Portugal’s journey to the final was marked by grit, overturning a 1-0 deficit against Denmark in the quarter-finals and defeating hosts Germany 2-1 in the semi-final, with Ronaldo’s decisive goal. Spain, unbeaten in their last 10 away Nations League matches, edged France 5-4 in a semi-final thriller, with Yamal’s brace proving pivotal. The final, the 41st Iberian derby, highlighted the contrasting narratives of Ronaldo, the record-breaking veteran, and Yamal, the 17-year-old prodigy, whose duel captivated fans. UEFA’s technical observers awarded Nuno Mendes the Player of the Finals for his defensive heroics, while the match’s four goals, including Mendes’ semi-final strike, were shortlisted for Goal of the Finals.
The victory bolsters Portugal’s confidence ahead of World Cup qualifiers, with Martínez’s tactical flexibility and emerging talents like João Neves signaling a bright future. For Spain, the loss stings but reinforces their depth, with players like Pau Cubarsí and Nico Williams poised to shine. The Allianz Arena, fresh from hosting the 2024 Champions League final, proved a fitting stage for this historic clash, with Germany’s hosting of the finals—from Munich to Stuttgart’s MHPArena for the third-place match—earning praise for its organization. Portugal’s triumph, celebrated long into the Munich night, marks a defining chapter in their storied footballing legacy, as they etch their name deeper into UEFA’s annals.