Nuno Mendes and Cristiano Ronaldo inspired Portugal to beat Spain to win Nations League last night at the Allianz Arena. Portugal defeated Spain on penalties after an entertaining 2-2 draw in 120 minutes.

Nuno Mendes and Cristiano Ronaldo Lead Portugal To Another Nations League Triumph

The Spaniards entered the Nations League final as the favorites after their result against France a few days ago. Spain started the game like the favorites too, with Fabián Ruiz, Pedri, and Zubimendi controlling the play in the middle of the park.

Martín Zubimendi gave Spain the lead just after the 20th-minute mark with a simple tap-in inside the box, but just four minutes later, Nuno Mendes equalized in spectacular fashion for Portugal. The PSG left-back has arguably been the best left-back in Europe this season, especially with the campaign he had with the French side.

Spain did not lay down after conceding the equalizer. The European champions regained the lead on the stroke of half-time. Mikel Oyarzabal, who scored Spain’s winner at the Euros, tapped home from close range after Pedri delivered a perfectly weighted and timed pass.

Portugal suffered a big blow just before half-time, but they responded appropriately after the break. Bruno Fernandes thought he had equalized for his country, but the referee ruled the goal out for offside.

The Nuno Mendes Show

However, 15 minutes into the second half, Nuno Mendes burst into life again. The pacy left-back raced past Lamine Yamal and leapt straight into the box. He clipped a low cross that deflected off the leg of a Spanish defender into the air, allowing Cristiano Ronaldo to tap in at close range for 2-2.

Spain never really regained the total control they had in the first half after Portugal’s equalizer, especially in the final third. The match headed into a penalty shoot-out after a scoreless extra time. Portugal’s Diogo Costa saved Álvaro Morata’s penalty, and Portugal converted all their spot-kicks to win their second Nations League trophy.

Nuno Mendes earned the Player of the Match award for his impressive attacking and defensive display at the stadium where he won the Champions League with PSG just a fortnight ago.

The Portuguese national team had won nothing before Cristiano Ronaldo, but last night’s triumph now means Cristiano Ronaldo has now won 2 Nations League trophies and 3 major international trophies in total for Portugal, and the Seleção das Quinas will also head to the 2026 World Cup as one of the favourites.