Cristiano Ronaldo in tears as Portugal beat Spain for UEFA Nations League title
40-year-old scores 138th goal before injury forces substitution in final
DUBAI: Cristiano Ronaldo was reduced to tears of joy and pride as he led Portugal to their second UEFA Nations League title with a 5-3 win on penalties over Spain after a pulsating 2-2 draw at Munich’s Allianz Arena.
The match marked a historic night for the 40-year-old captain, who extended his record international goal tally to 138 and added another chapter to his glittering legacy with Portugal.
Ronaldo’s emotional celebration at the final whistle underlined the personal significance of the victory. Substituted in the 88th minute due to injury, he was left to witness the decisive moments from the bench. As teammate Ruben Neves scored the final penalty and Álvaro Morata’s earlier miss proved fatal for Spain, Ronaldo stood overwhelmed by tears, watching his country reclaim the trophy they first lifted in 2019.
Ronaldo’s impact
Despite his age, Ronaldo played a crucial role in Portugal's journey through the tournament and in the final itself. His sharp movements, commanding presence and instinctive finishing reminded fans and critics alike of his enduring class. After assisting in the lead-up to Portugal’s first equaliser, he found the net himself in the 61st minute, latching onto a deflected cross from Nuno Mendes and volleying it in with clinical precision to make it 2-2.
That strike was his 138th international goal in 212 appearances – extending a record that may remain untouched for years. His performance was a stark contrast to that of Spain’s rising star, 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, who struggled to assert himself in the high-stakes encounter billed as a clash of generations. While the teenager showed flashes of potential, it was Ronaldo’s experience and hunger that made the difference.
Even after he limped off injured near the end of normal time, the veteran forward remained vocal and animated on the touchline, urging on his teammates throughout extra time and during the shootout.
End-to-end battle
Spain had drawn first blood in the 21st minute, when Martin Zubimendi capitalised on Yamal’s low cross to put the reigning champions ahead. But Portugal responded quickly. Ronaldo slipped the ball to Pedro Neto, who then fed Nuno Mendes for a composed finish to level the score.
Just before the break, Mikel Oyarzabal restored Spain’s lead with a well-timed run onto Pedri’s through ball, slotting home calmly past Diogo Costa. Portugal responded in the second half, with Bruno Fernandes having a goal disallowed before Ronaldo equalised to reignite the contest.
Shootout triumph
Neither side could find a breakthrough in extra time, although Diogo Jota and Ferran Torres both had chances to settle it. The match was decided from the penalty spot, where Portugal were flawless. Ronaldo, though unable to take one due to his early substitution, was the first to sprint onto the pitch when Neves buried the winning penalty.
“It’s tears, it’s duty done and a lot of joy,” Ronaldo told Sport TV. “I have many titles with clubs, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal.”