Portugal beat Spain in penalty shootout to win second Nations League crown

Ruben Neves scores successful penalty kick as Portugal defeat Spain 5-3 in a shootout to win the Nations League title.

Cristiano Ronaldo was in tears as Portugal picked up their second Nations League title by beating holders Spain 5-3 on penalties following an exhilarating 2-2 draw within the remaining.

Ronaldo’s 138th worldwide purpose took the ultimate on Sunday to a shootout, with Alvaro Morata’s miss proving pricey for Spain as Ruben Neves struck the successful spot kick to spark wild scenes of celebration, with emotion overwhelming the veteran captain.

Spain’s exhilarating 5-4 victory over France in Thursday’s semifinal ensured Luis de la Fuente’s facet had continued an unbeaten run that stretched again to March 2023 coming into Sunday’s showpiece remaining in Munich.

They appeared on the right track for one more trophy, on the again final yr’s European Championship triumph, as Martin Zubimendi tapped residence his second worldwide purpose within the twenty first minute.

The holders’ lead didn’t final lengthy, nevertheless, as flying Portugal full-back Nuno Mendes slotted residence the equaliser after good work from Ronaldo within the construct up.

A elegant cross from midfielder Pedri helped Mikel Oyarzabal, who netted the winner towards England in final yr’s European Championship remaining, restored Spain’s lead earlier than the break.

The tussle between the Iberian neighbours was billed as a conflict between previous and new – 40-year-old and five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo and Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.

Whereas Yamal, among the many favourites to take residence probably the most prestigious particular person awards this yr, struggled to make inroads, Ronaldo pounced on his probability, firing Portugal stage from shut vary simply previous the hour mark.

Ronaldo went off injured late on and neither facet might discover a winner in further time, with the sport going to a shootout and Portugal netting all 5 of their penalties to say the trophy.

Earlier on Sunday, Kylian Mbappe led France to 3rd place with a 2-0 win over host nation Germany in Stuttgart.

The Actual Madrid star scored one purpose and arrange the opposite for Michael Olise as France recovered from a torpid first half.