“The devil knows more because he’s old than because he’s the devil,” goes a popular saying — and today, at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Portugal showed its experience and cunning, defeating a young Spanish team 5-3 on penalties in the UEFA Nations League final, leaving Spain still longing for a second title.

The strategy put forward by Portugal’s coach, Roberto Martínez, aimed to secure the country’s second UEFA Nations League title by conceding possession to Spain. But with an imperial Nuno Mendes bringing discipline and respect to the Portuguese defense, they managed to shut down the energy of Yamine Lamal and Nico Williams, who were effectively neutralized in Spain’s attack.

Based on this tactical setup, Spain held more possession and was better in one-on-one situations throughout much of the match, but their dominance proved fruitless. They opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a goal by Zubimendi.

Portugal, however, responded quickly, leveling the score 1-1 in the 28th minute with a goal from Nuno Mendes after a pass from Pedro Neto.

Spain broke the deadlock again in the 45th minute when Oyarzabal scored following an assist from Pedri. But Portugal wasn’t done yet and took advantage of a lapse in focus—its legend came alive once more. Cristiano Ronaldo scored the equalizer, making it 2-2 and sending the game into extra time. After Ronaldo’s iconic goal, Spain dominated possession again, but couldn’t find the net.

Martínez subbed off Cristiano and brought on Gonçalo Ramos in the 87th minute, and the Munich stadium gave the legend a thunderous ovation as a farewell.

End of 90 minutes

Regulation time ended with the score tied, and the referee signaled the beginning of extra time. Portugal pushed forward down the left flank, causing damage with Rafael Leão, who came on for Bernardo Silva, and Nuno Mendes, both of whom tested Spain’s defense. “La Roja” looked sluggish compared to the physical strength and stamina of the Portuguese, who appeared less fatigued.

Unlike in previous matches, Spain’s main attacking options—Lamal, Williams, and Oyarzabal—were subbed off by coach Luis de la Fuente. In their place came Pino, Baena, and Morata. De la Fuente ended up making six changes in total, trying to shift the momentum, but the goal never came.

Both teams finished extra time tied and headed to the penalty shootout, where Portugal was more clinical and won 5-3, earning their second UEFA Nations League title with successful penalties from Ramos, Vitinha, Fernandez, Mendes, and Neves. Spain’s Álvaro Morata missed his shot.

Starting Lineups

Goals ⚽
Substitutions ➡️

🇵🇹 Portugal – Starting XI

Coach: Roberto Martínez
Formation: 4-3-3

🇪🇸 Spain – Starting XI

Coach: Luis de la Fuente
Formation: 4-3-3