Portugal vs Spain highlights and report

‎In a pulsating UEFA Nations League final clash at Munich's Allianz Arena, Portugal overcame Spain on penalties (5-3) after a dramatic 2-2 draw in regulation and extra time. Cristiano Ronaldo, the ever-reliable poacher, delivered when it mattered most, while Nuno Mendes produced a defensive masterclass against rising star Lamine Yamal, and Diogo Costa stood tall in the shootout, saving from Alvaro Morata to secure Portugal's second Nations League title.

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Portugal beat Spain 5-3 on penalties to win the Nations League. Ronaldo scored, Mendes starred, and Costa saved Morata's penalty in the final.

‎Getty/GOAL

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‎🇵🇹 First Half: Spain Dominate, But Portugal Punch Back

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‎Reigning European champions Spain dictated the tempo early with slick passing and incisive play. Their pressure paid off in the 21st minute when a poor clearance from Joao Neves landed at the feet of Martin Zubimendi, who slotted home calmly.

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‎But the lead was short-lived. Cristiano Ronaldo held up the ball superbly before feeding Pedro Neto, who teed up an onrushing Nuno Mendes. The PSG left-back thundered a strike into the bottom corner to level the score.

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‎Just before the break, Mikel Oyarzabal ghosted behind Goncalo Inacio to convert a clever Pedri pass, restoring Spain's advantage.

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‎⚽ Ronaldo Levels, Costa Stands Tall

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‎Portugal emerged with renewed determination in the second half. A blistering Mendes run down the left saw his deflected cross loop to Ronaldo, who muscled past Cucurella to fire home Portugal’s second equalizer.

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‎Both sides chased a winner, with chances falling to Jota, Pedro Porro, and Dani Olmo, but goalkeepers Diogo Costa and Unai Simon stood firm. A major penalty shout for Mendes was waved off, and after 120 minutes, the final headed to a penalty shootout.

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‎🎯 Penalty Shootout Heroics

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‎Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and Mendes all converted for Portugal before Costa saved Morata’s penalty. Ruben Neves buried the winning spot-kick, clinching a famous win.

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‎⭐ Player Ratings Highlights:

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‎• Cristiano Ronaldo (8/10): Held up play superbly and finished clinically.

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‎• Nuno Mendes (9/10): Scored one, created another, and kept Yamal quiet—arguably man of the match.

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‎• Diogo Costa (6/10): Shaky start but redeemed himself with a crucial penalty save.

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‎• Joao Neves (4/10): Out of position and culpable for Spain’s opener.

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‎• Roberto Martinez (9/10): Got every decision right, from tactical tweaks to key substitutions.

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‎🏆 Portugal’s Title Sealed by Depth, Spirit, and Experience

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‎This triumph underlines Portugal's ability to blend youth and experience, with emerging stars like Mendes and established legends like Ronaldo combining effectively. Roberto Martinez, under scrutiny before the final, showed tactical acumen and squad management to deliver a defining international win.