🗣️ A final steeped in pride, rivalry, and destiny
Between two Iberian giants, only one could walk away with the crown. On one side, a rejuvenated Spain—boasting golden youth and sleek possession play. On the other, a gritty, experienced Portugal, led by the eternal Cristiano Ronaldo and a steely backline.
Expectations were sky-high, tension thick in the air, and even during the warm-up, you could see it in the players’ eyes: this wasn’t just a match—it was a battle for legacy.
⚽ A thrilling storyline: domination vs resilience
Spain started strong, dictating the tempo and striking first through Zubimendi (21’), capitalizing on a rare mistake from Rúben Neves. It looked like the match would go Spain’s way—controlled, clinical, calm.
But this Portuguese team thrives under pressure. They bend, never break. And when they strike back, it hurts. Step forward Nuno Mendes, the electric left-back, who fired a sublime low shot into the net (26’) to level the score. Paris Saint-Germain might just have the best left-back in Europe.
Just before halftime, Mikel Oyarzabal (45+1’) restored Spain’s lead with a well-placed finish off a perfect delivery from Pedri. Portugal went into the break trailing—but never out of it.
🐐 Ronaldo: Still the man for the big stage
At 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo may have played his last major final with Portugal. But once again, he delivered. Rising between two defenders, he met Mendes’ cross with a thunderous header (61’) that left Unai Simón no chance.
It wasn’t just a goal—it was a statement. The man with 138 international goals is not done yet. A living legend, doing what he does best.
🔄 Extra time: intense, nerve-wracking, goalless
The 30 minutes of extra time were an emotional rollercoaster. Players were cramping, challenges grew fiercer, and every loose ball felt like life or death. But no winner emerged. It all came down to the cruel lottery of penalties—or, in Portugal’s case, a calculated science.
🎯 Penalties: Not luck, but composure
Diogo Costa, ever composed, guessed right and saved Álvaro Morata’s attempt. Chilling silence from the Spanish fans. Euphoria for Portugal.
Every Portuguese penalty taker held their nerve. Calm. Ice cold. When Rúben Neves stepped up for the final kick, he slotted it home with authority.
The whistle blew. Portugal were UEFA Nations League champions 2025.
⭐ Man of the Match: Nuno Mendes (9/10)
He’s only 22, yet played like a seasoned veteran. Mendes completely shut down Lamine Yamal, outpaced him, outmuscled him, and dominated his side of the pitch. Add a goal and an assist to that performance and you get an elite showing. Perhaps the best left-back of the tournament.
❌ Flop of the Match: Lamine Yamal (3/10)
So much was expected of the Barcelona prodigy, but he struggled badly. He was out of sync, bullied in duels, and unable to create anything meaningful. A night to forget, but at 17, there will be many more to come.
🔥 Player Ratings
🇵🇹 Portugal
- Diogo Costa: 8 – Crucial penalty save, calm under pressure.
- Nuno Mendes: 9 – Dominant performance, decisive on both ends.
- Rúben Dias: 7 – Defensive leader, strong in the air.
- Vitinha: 7 – Relentless engine in midfield.
- Bruno Fernandes: 7 – Dictated tempo, sharp passing.
- Cristiano Ronaldo: 8 – A vital goal and inspiring leadership.
- Bernardo Silva: 6 – Quiet, but tidy.
- Leão: 6 – Flashes of brilliance, lacked finishing.
- Rúben Neves: 7 – Cool-headed penalty clincher.
🇪🇸 Spain
- Unai Simón: 5 – No penalty saves, lacked confidence.
- Aymeric Laporte: 6 – Solid but not game-changing.
- Rodri: 6.5 – Most composed Spanish player.
- Zubimendi: 7 – Scored and covered ground well.
- Pedri: 6 – Good in phases but faded.
- Oyarzabal: 7 – Alert and clinical when it mattered.
- Yamal: 3 – Overwhelmed and neutralized.
💬 Final Words
This wasn’t just a trophy. This was a statement from Portugal: the golden generation may be aging, but the fire still burns. Spain had moments of brilliance, but Portugal had resolve, grit, and leadership.
Portugal is back on top—and they’re not done yet.
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