Munich, Germany - Cristiano Ronaldo couldn’t look. As Portugal lined up for the final penalty of the UEFA Nations League final, the 40-year-old icon turned away, buried his face in a teammate’s shoulder, and waited. Moments later, a roar erupted across the Allianz Arena—Rúben Neves had scored. Portugal were champions.

The dramatic shootout ended 5-3 in Portugal’s favour after a pulsating 2-2 draw in regulation time, handing Ronaldo his 34th career trophy and Portugal their second Nations League title.

The story of the night was one of resilience and redemption. Spain had led twice, through Martín Zubimendi and Mikel Oyarzabal, but were pegged back each time—first by Nuno Mendes, then by the ever-persistent Ronaldo, who pounced on a deflected cross to slam in his 134th international goal.

But by the time penalties came around, Ronaldo had been subbed off, drained. On the sideline, he became a spectator to history, falling to his knees in tears when victory was sealed.

The final act came down to fine margins. Spain's Álvaro Morata, wearing the weight of expectation, saw his spot-kick saved by Portugal’s Diogo Costa. Then Neves stepped up, drove the ball low and hard, and sparked wild celebrations. Portugal had done it again, this time in Munich.

The match had been billed as a generational duel between Ronaldo and Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, just 16 years old. But while both had moments to shine, the outcome was shaped by a wider cast of players—Oyarzabal’s sharp finishing, Mendes' surging runs, and Costa’s steady hands in goal.

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente looked deflated at full-time. His side, crowned European champions just last year and Nations League winners in 2023, had hoped to complete a historic triple. They started brightly, creating space and opportunities, particularly through the lively Nico Williams and Pedri.

A clever flick from Oyarzabal set Zubimendi on his way to open the scoring after Portugal’s defence failed to clear a lofted pass. But Mendes equalized minutes later with a fierce low drive. Spain regained control before halftime as Pedri threaded a slick pass for Oyarzabal, who finished with composure.

But in the second half, Portugal flipped the script. Ronaldo’s equalizer came after a looping cross evaded Spain’s backline, and from then on, momentum shifted. Leão’s introduction added pace and chaos to Portugal’s attack, and Spain began to unravel.

Even when he’s not on the pitch, Ronaldo’s presence lingers. His goal, his leadership, and his emotion at the final whistle were the emotional spine of this Portuguese triumph. Though Lamine Yamal showed flashes of brilliance, it was the veteran who walked away with the silverware.

As Spain struggled to reassert control late in the game—missing key figures like Pedri and Fabián Ruiz—Portugal pressed forward. Bruno Fernandes nearly snatched a winner with a free-kick in stoppage time, while Nélson Semedo somehow missed from five yards during extra time. Diogo Jota also headed over with seconds remaining.

Earlier in the day, France claimed third place with a 2-0 win over Germany in Stuttgart. Kylian Mbappé was the star again, scoring his 50th international goal—just one shy of Thierry Henry’s mark.

The Real Madrid forward also provided an assist for Michael Olise’s late goal, sealing the win. France goalkeeper Mike Maignan delivered a commanding performance to deny Germany, whose best chance came when Florian Wirtz struck the woodwork.

In the end, it was a night of contrasts—youth and experience, heartbreak and glory. Portugal, led by their ageless warrior, once again found a way. And as the final whistle blew and Ronaldo lifted the trophy toward the Munich sky, there was no doubt: he might be 40, but he’s still defining moments on the biggest stages.


By WafricNews Sports Desk.