🔥 Portugal Stun Spain in Dramatic Nations League Final – A Night of Penalties, Passion & Pure History!

Date: Sunday, June 8, 2025
Venue: Munich Football Arena
Written by: PLSWorldNews Team

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🇵🇹 Portugal have done it again! They’ve made Nations League history by becoming the first team to win the trophy twice, and boy, did they do it in style. After a thrilling 2-2 draw, they held their nerve and beat Spain 5-3 in a penalty shoot-out. Yes, you read that right — drama, sweat, goals, and glory.

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⚽️ Match Highlights – Buckle Up!

• 5’ – João Neves nearly gives Portugal the lead! Inches wide.

• 15’ – Pedri answers back. His shot kisses the post.

• 21’ – Zubimendi taps in after Yamal’s tricky cross. 1-0 Spain.

• 26’ – BOOM! Nuno Mendes rifles one into the net. 1-1.

• 45’ – Oyarzabal finishes a silky Pedri pass. 2-1 Spain.

• 61’ – Enter Ronaldo. A classic volley makes it 2-2.

• Penalties – Morata misses. Diogo Costa saves. Rúben Neves slams the winner. Game over.

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🎯 The Story in Full: Comeback Kings of Europe

Let’s paint the full picture.

This was more than a match. It was an Iberian showdown packed with action from start to finish. Portugal and Spain, both coming off electrifying semi-finals, delivered another classic.

⚡️ Spain struck first — Zubimendi capitalized on some sloppy defending to put them ahead. But Portugal weren’t rattled. Nuno Mendes – who had been in a fierce battle with Spain’s wonderkid Yamal – responded just minutes later with a screamer.

Spain weren’t done either. Just before the break, Pedri fed Oyarzabal with a delicious pass, and the forward made it 2-1. Advantage Spain.

But hold on...

Second half. The magic man himself, Cristiano Ronaldo, steps up. At 40 years old, he’s still writing headlines. Nuno Mendes whipped in a dangerous cross, and CR7 volleyed home his 138th international goal.

Tie game. Chaos. Roars. Pure football.

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💥 Extra Time Tension + Penalty Perfection

In extra time, Portugal turned up the pressure. Rafael Leão and Diogo Jota came close, but Spain held on. The final whistle blew — and it was time for penalties.

😰 Tension thick in the air.

• Spain and Portugal were neck-and-neck...

• Until Álvaro Morata blinked.

• Diogo Costa saved brilliantly.

• Then Rúben Neves stepped up… and buried it.

Portugal: Champions again.

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🏆 Ronaldo Lifts the Trophy (Again!)

He’s already a legend — now he's added another title to his glittering career. This win might not have come with a Ronaldo hat-trick, but his leadership, clutch goal, and presence were everything his country needed.

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🌟 Man of the Match: Nuno Mendes

Unreal performance. A goal, a crucial assist in the semis, and a defensive masterclass against Yamal. The UEFA panel praised his offensive and defensive brilliance.

“He gives us advice, leads by example, and pushes us to be better,” said Mendes about Ronaldo. Heartwarming stuff!

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🎙️ Post-Match Reactions

Roberto Martínez (Portugal Coach):

"It’s more than just talent. It’s belief, depth, and team spirit. This group has matured and found its identity."

Luis de la Fuente (Spain Coach):

"We thought we could win in normal time. It was a balanced game... but penalties are cruel."

Marc Cucurella (Spain):

"We had chances, but sometimes football just breaks your heart. Congratulations to Portugal."

 

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📊 Key Stats – Read & Gasp

• Portugal: First team to win the Nations League twice

• Spain: Played in a record 3 straight finals

• Ronaldo: Oldest player (40+) to score in the final

• Spain: 25 goals in this campaign – most ever in one edition

• Oyarzabal: Scored in two Nations League finals (2021 & 2025)

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🧠 Fun Fact:

Bernardo Silva equaled the all-time record for most Nations League appearances (26), joining Gianluigi Donnarumma at the top. Not bad, eh?

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🔥 Final Thoughts:

Spain fought hard, but Portugal had the heart, grit, and nerves of steel. In a rollercoaster of a final, the Seleção proved once again why they’re a team no one should underestimate.

👏 Hats off to both teams for an unforgettable showdown. But the crown? It’s heading to Lisbon.

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📣 What do YOU think?

• Did Portugal deserve it?

• Can Ronaldo still win a World Cup?

• Should Spain have made different subs?

Drop your hot takes in the comments. Let the football banter begin! ⚽💬