Portugal win the UEFA Nations League after beating Spain on penalties in tight final

Portugal are UEFA Nations League champions for the second time in their history following a penalty shootout win over Spain on Sunday night.

In a close-fought encounter, Portugal persevered 5-3 on penalties after the match ended 2-2 in normal time and the extra time that ensued.

Diogo Costa was the hero for Roberto Martinez’s side, saving Alvaro Morata’s spot-kick at 4-3 before Ruben Neves completed the job by converting his effort from 12 yards.

It sees Portugal win the Nations League after their triumph in the inaugural competition in 2019 and make a statement going into the World Cup next year.

Spain, who are the Euro 2024 champions and were the Nations League holders, took the lead at the Allianz Arena in Munich via a contentious Martin Zubimendi goal on 21 minutes.

Portugal regrouped and levelled five minutes later through man-of-the-match Nuno Mendes.

The match looked destined to all-square at the interval but Mikel Oyarzabal restored Spain’s lead with a clever first-time finish.

Martinez was proactive after the break with his substitutes and he was duly rewarded when perennial talisman Cristiano Ronaldo scored from close-range just after the hour mark.

Both teams failed to score after that and the match was decided by penalties.