By Oluwamayowa Fakande
Portugal have claimed their second UEFA Nations League trophy after a tense penalty shootout victory over Spain.
Cristiano Ronaldo drew Portugal level at 2-2 in the 61st minute, but neither side could find a winner before the end of regulation time.
The Portuguese captain was substituted before extra time and broke into tears of joy on the sidelines after Ruben Neves sealed the win with the decisive penalty.
Spain, winners of the 2023 edition, opened the scoring in the 21st minute through Martin Zubimendi after Portugal failed to clear a loose ball in the box. Portugal responded swiftly, with Nuno Mendes firing a low drive past Unai Simon just five minutes later.
Mikel Oyarzabal restored Spain’s lead before halftime, but Ronaldo came to the rescue once more, hooking in Mendes’ deflected cross from close range to bring the game back level.
In the shootout, Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and Nuno Mendes all converted for Portugal. Alvaro Morata’s weak effort was saved by Diogo Costa, setting up Neves to calmly slot in the winner.
With the victory, Portugal have become the first nation to win the Nations League twice, denying Spain the same opportunity.
