Ronaldo Strikes Again as Portugal Battles Spain in Thrilling Nations League Final
What a night in Munich! The Allianz Arena witnessed an electric clash between two European football giants — Portugal and Spain — in the 2025 UEFA Nations League Final. It ended in a tense 2-2 draw after an intense back-and-forth match filled with drama, determination, and iconic moments.
Right from the kickoff, both teams looked ready to assert dominance. Spain drew first blood in the 21st minute thanks to a composed finish by Zubimendi, taking advantage of a momentary lapse in the Portuguese defense. But Portugal wasn’t going to fold that easily, and the response was simmering. Despite being outplayed in terms of possession — Spain controlling over 60% — the Seleção showed resilience.
Just before halftime, Spain struck again. This time, it was Mikel Oyarzabal, a player who seems to come alive during finals. With this goal, he became the first Spaniard to score in three different international finals — a truly historic feat.
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At that point, it looked like Spain had the upper hand. But then came the Portuguese resurgence.
In the 61st minute, Nuno Mendes pulled off an exquisite piece of individual brilliance. He beat Lamine Yamal on the left wing, broke into the box, and whipped in a low cross that deflected into Cristiano Ronaldo’s path. The legendary striker did what he does best — finished clinically with a right-footed volley. Boom. 2-2. That was Ronaldo’s 138th goal in his 221st cap for Portugal — a jaw-dropping record that continues to grow.
The equalizer sparked a fresh fire in the Portuguese side. Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, and Bernardo Silva pushed hard to break the deadlock, while the Spanish midfield, led by Pedri and Fabian Ruiz, tried to regain control. The tempo stayed high, and the tension thickened with every passing minute.
Though both teams had their moments — Fernandes had a goal ruled out for offside and Diogo Costa made a key save from Ruiz — neither side could find the winner in regulation. The atmosphere was electric, with Portuguese fans roaring every touch, especially after Ronaldo’s strike. Meanwhile, Spain's patience and tactical precision kept them dangerous until the end.
It’s impossible not to admire the sheer talent on display. From Yamal’s flashes of speed to Mendes’ explosive performance, and from Bruno’s precision to Oyarzabal’s calm, this was football at its highest level. The final whistle left the stadium buzzing and fans worldwide eager for what’s next.
One thing’s for sure — if this was just the Nations League, imagine what the World Cup will bring.
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