Portugal have been crowned champions of the UEFA Nations League after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Spain on Sunday night in Munich.
The intense final, played at the Allianz Arena, ended 2-2 after 120 minutes of football, forcing a shootout to determine the winner. Spain, under manager Luis de la Fuente, were aiming to defend their title but fell short in heartbreaking fashion.
Veteran Spanish striker Álvaro Morata saw his penalty saved by Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa, while midfielder Rúben Neves calmly converted his spot kick to seal victory for the Portuguese side.
Spain had opened the scoring in the 21st minute through Martín Zubimendi, who capitalised on a scramble in the box to poke the ball home. However, Portugal hit back shortly after through Paris Saint-Germain left-back Nuno Mendes, whose surging run and powerful finish brought the game level.
Spain regained the lead just before halftime when Pedri split the defence with a precise pass that allowed Mikel Oyarzabal to finish coolly past the goalkeeper.
But Portugal showed their resilience once again after the break. Cristiano Ronaldo, ever the talisman, pounced on a defensive lapse to fire home the equaliser, setting up a tense and goalless extra time.
The match was ultimately decided from the penalty spot, where Portugal held their nerve to claim the trophy.
Despite their early dominance, Spain struggled to contain Portugal in the latter stages. Teen sensation Lamine Yamal, who has been pivotal for La Roja throughout the tournament, had an unusually quiet night, creating just one chance and completing only four passes into the final third.
The win marks a triumphant moment for Portugal, whose mix of experience and youth proved crucial in securing the title.
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