‎Portugal player ratings vs Spain: Ronaldo scores again, Nuno Mendes shuts down Lamine Yamal, and Diogo Costa's shootout save seals Nations League title

‎Portugal have won the UEFA Nations League for a second time, defeating European champions Spain 5-3 on penalties after an exhilarating 2-2 draw at the Allianz Arena. In a high-octane clash filled with drama, goals, and standout performances, Cristiano Ronaldo delivered once again on the big stage, while left-back Nuno Mendes was exceptional at both ends. Diogo Costa capped off the night with a vital penalty save to hand Portugal the title.

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‎Cristiano Ronaldo scores, Nuno Mendes dazzles, and Diogo Costa seals it as Portugal beat Spain on penalties in Nations League final thriller.

‎Getty/GOAL

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‎Spain started strong, slicing through Portugal’s defence with intricate passing. Their early pressure paid off in the 21st minute when a miscleared cross by Joao Neves fell to Martin Zubimendi, who calmly slotted home. But Portugal responded swiftly, with Ronaldo’s intelligent hold-up play allowing Pedro Neto to pick out Mendes. The Paris Saint-Germain defender blasted a low effort into the far corner to level the score.

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‎Mikel Oyarzabal restored Spain’s lead just before half-time, capitalizing on a clever Pedri pass and a lapse in defensive concentration from Goncalo Inacio. However, Portugal weren’t done. Ten minutes into the second half, Mendes once again caused havoc, outpacing Lamine Yamal and sending in a deflected cross that found Ronaldo, who muscled past Cucurella and tapped in the equalizer.

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‎Extra time saw both sides push for a winner. Portugal had the better of the chances, with Mendes nearly winning a penalty and Diogo Jota heading just over. The match ultimately headed to penalties, where Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and Nuno Mendes all converted. Diogo Costa then made a crucial save from Alvaro Morata before Ruben Neves confidently buried the decisive spot kick.

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‎SPORTING Player Ratings:

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‎• Diogo Costa (6/10): Recovered from a shaky start to become the hero in the shootout.

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‎• Joao Neves (4/10): Struggled out of position at right-back, directly at fault for the opener.

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‎• Goncalo Inacio (5/10): Caught flat-footed for Spain’s second; not his best night.

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‎• Ruben Dias (6/10): Made key interventions but couldn’t clear the ball before Zubimendi’s goal.

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‎• Nuno Mendes (9/10): A complete performance. Scored, assisted, and neutralized Lamine Yamal.

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‎• Vitinha (6/10): Showed flashes of composure but often overrun by Spain’s midfield.

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‎• Bernardo Silva (5/10): Lacked influence and physicality in central areas.

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‎• Bruno Fernandes (6/10): Grew into the game but saw a spectacular goal disallowed.

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‎• Francisco Conceicao (5/10): Worked hard but lacked the final product.

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‎• Cristiano Ronaldo (8/10): Classic Ronaldo. Took his chance clinically and led the line well.

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‎• Pedro Neto (7/10): A creative outlet, with an assist and energetic performance.

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‎Substitutes:

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‎• Nelson Semedo (6/10): Stabilized the right side after replacing Neves.

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‎• Rafael Leao (7/10): Added attacking flair late on.

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‎• Ruben Neves (6/10): Sealed the title with a cool penalty.

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‎• Renato Veiga (6/10): Provided extra defensive assurance.

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‎• Goncalo Ramos & Diogo Jota (5/10): Quiet cameos with minimal impact.

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‎Manager – Roberto Martinez (9/10): 

‎Under scrutiny before the final, Martinez silenced doubters. His substitutions were timely and effective, and his game management was key in Portugal’s triumph.

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‎With this victory, Portugal not only adds another piece of silverware to their collection but also sends a clear message ahead of upcoming international tournaments: the Seleção are back, balanced, and once again led by an ageless Cristiano Ronaldo.