Portugal claims the Nations League for the second time.
(The Post News)– Portugal defeated Spain and secured their second UEFA Nations League trophy in a thrilling final that was decided by a nail-biting penalty shootout to win.
In Munich, Spain took the lead when Zubendi opened the goal in the twenty-first minute to give La Roja the lead. Nuno Mendes equalised four minutes later with a strong shot from the edge of the box, demonstrating Portugal’s quick response.
The game progressed quickly, and with Pedri’s assistance, Oyarzabal gave Spain the advantage once more shortly before halftime. Early in the second half, Bruno Fernandes thought he had knotted the score, but his effort for offside was rejected by a VAR review.
In the 59th minute, Cristiano Ronaldo jumped on a loose ball in the box to put Portugal back into the game following a deflected cross from Mendes. After being pulled off due to what looked to be an injury, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was replaced by Gonçalo Ramos in the 86th minute.
After 90 minutes, with the score tied at 2-2, extra time was needed to separate the two teams. During the first half of extra time, Portugal dominated, with Mendes and Leão making many threatening opportunities.
Despite the fate of opportunities and threats, the game ended in a 2-2 stalemate, resulting into penalties that saw Portugal win 5-3.
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