Cristiano Ronaldo was the hero as Portugal beat Spain to win the Nations League title on Sunday. The final ended 2-2 after extra time, and Portugal won 5-3 in a penalty shootout.
Ronaldo scored his 138th goal for Portugal during the match, showing once again why he is one of the greatest of all time. His goal brought Portugal level and helped send the match to penalties.
The 40-year-old captain gave everything on the pitch. He helped set up Portugal’s first goal and then scored the second himself. His powerful performance inspired his team and lifted the fans.
The final was full of drama. Spain had taken the lead twice, with goals from Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Oyarzabal. But Portugal kept fighting. Nuno Mendes scored the first equaliser after a clever pass from Ronaldo, and then Ronaldo made it 2-2 with a close-range finish in the second half.
The match was also seen as a clash between generations — Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, against Spain’s teenage wonderkid Lamine Yamal. But it was Ronaldo who made the difference, while Yamal struggled to have an impact.
Ronaldo had to leave the pitch with an injury near the end of extra time. But his work was already done. In the shootout, Portugal stayed perfect with five successful penalties. Spain’s Alvaro Morata missed, and Ruben Neves scored the winner.
Ronaldo was in tears after the final whistle, overcome with emotion as Portugal lifted the Nations League trophy for the second time.
Earlier on Sunday, France took third place with a 2-0 win over Germany. Kylian Mbappe scored one and assisted another for Michael Olise.
