June 09, (THEWILL) – Portugal claimed their second Nations League title dramatically, defeating Spain 5-3 on penalties following a thrilling 2-2 draw at Munich’s Allianz Arena.
Goalkeeper Diogo Costa emerged as the hero, producing a crucial save to deny Alvaro Morata’s spot-kick before Ruben Neves converted the winning penalty.
The victory marks Portugal’s second triumph in the competition, adding to their inaugural success in 2019.
Spain dominated the opening exchanges and took the lead through Martin Zubimendi in the 21st minute.
The Real Sociedad midfielder capitalised on defensive confusion between Ruben Dias and João Neves to convert Lamine Yamal’s cross after a swift counter-attack initiated by Mikel Oyarzabal’s clever flick.
However, Portugal responded within five minutes when Nuno Mendes fired home from just inside the penalty area, levelling the contest at 1-1.
Oyarzabal restored Spain’s advantage on the stroke of half-time, poking the ball past Costa following Pedri’s driving run through the Portuguese defence.
Portugal protested a perceived foul on Bernardo Silva in the build-up, but the goal stood.
Roberto Martinez’s side thought they had equalised when Bruno Fernandes struck from distance, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside against Pedro Neto, who had provided the assist.
Portugal found their equaliser just after the hour mark through Cristiano Ronaldo, who volleyed home Mendes’ deflected cross for his 138th international goal.
Neither team could break the deadlock in regulation time, with Isco coming closest for Spain when his long-range effort forced a fine save from Costa. Extra time failed to produce a winner despite Portugal increasing their tempo, with Nelson Semedo and Diogo Jota spurning good opportunities.
The penalty shootout remained perfect through the first three attempts from each side before Mendes fired into the roof of the net to give Portugal the advantage. Costa then produced his match-winning moment, diving low to his left to deny Morata’s penalty.
Al-Hilal midfielder Neves stepped up to convert the decisive spot-kick, sending the Portuguese supporters into celebration and confirming their nation’s second Nations League crown.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
