At 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy time. The Portuguese legend proved once again that class is permanent, scoring a vital equaliser in the second half to help Portugal draw level 2-2 with Spain in the UEFA Nations League final before winning the match in a dramatic penalty shootout. Portugal triumphed 5-3 on penalties, clinching the title with a 7-5 aggregate score and becoming the first nation in history to win the tournament twice.
A Final Packed with Drama
Held at the Allianz Arena in Munich, the final lived up to its billing. Spain struck first through Martín Zubimendi, but Portugal quickly responded. Down 0-1, it was Ronaldo who orchestrated the buildup, playing a key pass to Pedro Neto, who then assisted Nuno Mendes for the equaliser.
Spain reclaimed the lead before halftime, with Mikel Oyarzabal making it 2-1, giving La Roja a narrow advantage heading into the break.
Ronaldo’s Impact, Once Again
Despite trailing, Portugal remained composed, and Ronaldo delivered when it mattered most. In the 61st minute, Nuno Mendes whipped in a low cross from the left flank, and Ronaldo was first to react, pouncing in the box to slot home the equaliser.
That goal not only tied the game at 2-2 but also reignited Portuguese hopes heading into the final stages. It was a vintage Ronaldo moment: awareness, positioning, and clinical finishing.
Unfortunately, Ronaldo couldn’t see the match through. In the 88th minute, he picked up an injury while off the ball and was forced off the pitch, replaced by Gonçalo Ramos. He spent the rest of the match cheering his teammates on from the sidelines during extra time and the tense penalty shootout.
Portugal Perfect from the Spot
The penalty shootout showcased Portugal’s nerves of steel. Gonçalo Ramos, Vitinha, and Bruno Fernandes all converted their kicks, while Spain kept pace through Mikel Merino, Baena, and Isco.
The turning point came in the fourth round: Nuno Mendes blasted his shot into the top corner, and Spain’s Álvaro Morata had his effort saved by Diogo Costa. Portugal took a 4-3 lead, and up stepped Rúben Neves. The midfielder coolly slotted the ball past Unai Simón, sealing a 5-3 shootout victory and sparking wild celebrations.
An Emotional Moment for Ronaldo
As Neves’ decisive penalty hit the net, cameras turned to Ronaldo, who was visibly emotional. The veteran forward burst into tears of joy, embraced by his teammates on the sidelines. It was a moment that symbolised the passion and legacy of one of football’s most fantastic.
This title marks Ronaldo’s third major international trophy with Portugal, following their 2016 European Championship win and their 2018/19 Nations League triumph. Incredibly, all three trophies in Portugal’s history have come during Ronaldo’s era, underscoring his extraordinary influence on the national team.
Portugal Makes History
With this victory, Portugal became the first nation to win the UEFA Nations League twice. The team combined experience and youth brilliantly throughout the campaign, with veteran leadership from Ronaldo and emerging talents like Nuno Mendes and Gonçalo Ramos playing key roles.
As Ronaldo continues to etch his name into the annals of football history, Portugal’s second Nations League title is not just a testament to their quality. Still, it’s a reminder that in football, legends never truly fade.
