On June 8, 2025, Portugal secured their second UEFA Nations League title, defeating Spain 5-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw after extra time at Munich’s Allianz Arena. The victory marks Portugal as the first team to win the competition twice, having triumphed in 2019.
The match showcased a clash of generations, with Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, scoring his 938th career goal to level the score at 2-2 in the 61st minute, after Spain’s Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Oyarzabal had taken the lead.
👏 🇵🇹 Portugal 🇵🇹 👏
2019 🏆
2025 🏆 #UNL | #PorEsp pic.twitter.com/RMIcbjxKfj
— UEFA EURO 2024 🇫🇷 (@EURO2024FRA) June 8, 2025Nuno Mendes equalised for Portugal in the 26th minute. In the shootout, Spain’s Alvaro Morata missed, while Portugal’s Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, and Gonçalo Ramos scored, with goalkeeper Diogo Costa emerging as the hero.
Cristiano Ronaldo leads Portugal to Nations League glory tears, triumph, and history made once again! 🏆🇵🇹 #Legend #NationsLeague #Portugal #CristianoRonaldo𓃵 #PortugalVsSpain #SpainVsPortugal pic.twitter.com/gMx3ZZrwAE
— Photo News (@PhotoNewsPk) June 8, 2025Spain, the 2023 champions and Euro 2024 winners, pushed hard, with 17-year-old Lamine Yamal creating chances, but Portugal’s resilience prevailed. “We believed we could rise to the occasion,” Ronaldo said post-match.
🇵🇹 GOATesque! ⚽️ #UNL #PorEsp pic.twitter.com/hKzNgzYJGi
— UEFA EURO 2024 🇫🇷 (@EURO2024FRA) June 8, 2025Portugal’s path included a 2-1 semifinal win over Germany, with Ronaldo netting the winner. Spain edged France 5-4 in a thrilling semifinal. The final, attended by thousands, highlighted Portugal’s tactical versatility under coach Roberto Martinez and Spain’s attacking flair under Luis de la Fuente.
This victory cements Ronaldo’s legacy and boosts Portugal’s momentum for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
