Portugal came from behind twice to draw 2-2 and defeat Spain 5-3 on penalties to lift the UEFA Nations League for the second time.
Spain started the match strongly and dominated possession as expected. They opened the scorelines in the 21st minute through Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who beat Diogo Costa from close range with a tap-in after Portugal failed to clear Lamine Yamal’s cross inside the box.
Spain’s lead, however, lasted for only five minutes, as PSG left-back Nuno Mendes, who was named player of the match after successfully shutting down Yamal the entire game, slotted home the equaliser to mark his first-ever international goal.
Spain retook the lead, this time on the stroke of half-time. Mikel Oyarzabal expertly clipped past Diogo from a Pedro through ball to restore his side’s lead. The first half ended with Spain in the lead.
Ronaldo’s equalizer for Portugal
In the second stanza, both teams came back guns blazing and it was evenly matched to some extent. But it was Portugal who, for the second time, found the equaliser, this time through the incredible Cristiano Ronaldo in the 61st minute, who netted his 138th international goal after tapping home a cross from Mendes.
The match could not be decided in regulation time and extra time and proceeded to penalties. The first seven takers found the net before Álvaro Morata’s strike was saved by Diogo, allowing Rúben Neves to slot home the decisive spot kick.
Meanwhile, in the third-place playoff earlier in the day, France edged Germany 2-0 to finish third in the Nations League. Kylian Mbappé scored and assisted Michael Olise to seal the victory for the French.
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