Cristiano Ronaldo has done it again. The Portugal superstar has defeated the Spain national team in the 2025 UEFA Nations League final to lift the trophy for a second time. The 2016 Euro champions thwarted Spain’s defence in penalties (5-3) to lift the cup.
The match billed as a matchup between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lamine Yamal saw Spain take an early lead with Martin Zubimendi’s fantastic goal in the 21st minute. However, Portugal didn’t let the lead stay for much as they counter-attacked to equal the scoreline with Nuno Mendes’ goal in the 26th minute.
Just on the verge of the half-time break, Spain took the lead again with Mikel Oyarzabal getting on the score sheet. With the first half done and the score reading 2-1 in favour of Spain, it felt that the Unai Simón-led team would be taking the trophy home. However, Cristiano Ronaldo had other plans. The all-time highest goal scorer made a deft touch in the 61st minute to equal the scores again.
Portugal beat Spain on penalties to claim 2025 title 🇵🇹🙌#NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/PHxNk9AXMK
— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) June 8, 2025
For the remaining 30 minutes of normal time, both teams tried to go past their respective opposition’s defence. However, no one succeeded. The case remained the same in extra time as well.
After 120 minutes of game time, the winner couldn’t be determined. And penalties had to be taken to get the winner of the 2025 Nations League. Portugal went past the Simon on all five chances they had, while Spain’s Alvaro Morata missed his penalty kick to give Portugal their second Nations League victory (5-3).
Ronaldo, who had to be substituted in the 88th minute due to a muscle strain, ran onto the pitch to celebrate before bursting into tears having clinched his third international trophy — a second Nations League and the Euro 2016 title, when he also ended the game on the bench due to injury.
