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Jack McRae

Portugal player ratings vs Spain: Ultimate poacher Cristiano Ronaldo delivers again as outstanding Nuno Mendes pockets Lamine Yamal before Diogo Costa heroics seal thrilling Nations League final shootout victory over European champions

After drawing 2-2 in normal time, the Seleccao clinched the trophy for a second time after beating La Roja 5-3 on penalties.

Portugal beat Spain on penalties to lift the Nations League title on Sunday, with the game having finished 2-2 after extra time.

The reigning European champions started the game well as they pulled Portugal apart through a dazzling display of intricate passing. The domination eventually resulted in a goal after 21 minutes. The Portuguese defence failed to clear a floated cross, and Joao Neves, playing out of position at right-back, could only poke a clearance straight to Arsenal-bound Martin Zubimendi, who could not miss.

The opening goal fired the Portuguese team up, though, and they found a reply just five minutes later. A good run and impressive hold-up by Cristiano Ronaldo allowed Pedro Neto to find some space. The Chelsea man spotted Nuno Mendes on the edge of the box and the left-back rifled into the bottom right corner. However, just when Portugal seemed to be taking a precious leveller into the half-time break, Mikel Oyarzabal lost Goncalo Inacio and guided home a neat Pedri through-ball.

The next goal came just before the hour mark, after Mendes burned Yamine Lamal to get to the byline, and his deflected cross looped to Ronaldo. The Portuguese captain was too strong for Marc Cucurella and passed the ball into the gaping net. Both sides went in search of a winner and drew saves from Costa and Unai Simon in the Spain net, but extra time was required to separate the sides.

Extra-time started evenly with both sides flashing chances. In the biggest moment of the first half, Mendes tore through the Spanish defence, tumbled and produced a huge shout for a penalty – the calls were waved away, however. Costa was almost caught out by a long-range Pedro Porro effort and a Diogo Jota header sailed over before the game went to penalties.

Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha, Fernandes and Mendes tucked their penalties away before Costa saved Alvaro Morata's spot kick. Ruben Neves then buried his effort emphatically into the bottom-left corner to secure the Nations League title for Portugal.

GOAL rates Portugal's players from the Allianz Arena...

  • Portugal v Spain - UEFA Nations League 2025 FinalGetty Images Sport

    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Diogo Costa (6/10):

    Should have been stronger for the first goal but could do little with the second. Strong save from Morata in the shootout.

    Joao Neves (4/10):

    Poor half-hearted clearance was prodded straight to Zubimendi for the opener. Not too comfortable at right-back and swapped for Semedo at the break.

    Goncalo Inacio (5/10):

    Booked early for an elbow and did not cover himself in glory when he was caught out by Oyazarbal for the second goal.

    Ruben Dias (6/10):

    Will be frustrated that his great block was unable to be cleared before Zubimedi's goal.

    Nuno Mendes (9/10):

    Thundered home a fantastic equaliser and made the second goal with a great run. Brilliant defensively, too, and kept Yamal well contained throughout.

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    Midfield

    Vitinha (6/10):

    Struggled to deal with the free-flowing Spanish midfield opposite him. Was tidy when he did get the ball.

    Bernardo Silva (5/10):

    Muscled off too easily by Dean Huijsen in the build-up to Spain’s second goal and moved to right-wing in the second half.

    Bruno Fernandes (6/10):

    Similarly struggled to get a hold of and keep the ball. Special effort was ruled out for offside.

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    Attack

    Francisco Conceicao (5/10):

    Worked hard but did little to influence the game. Subbed at half-time.

    Cristiano Ronaldo (8/10):

    Took a while to get into the game with Spain boasting most of the ball but played hold-up role well. Took his goal clinically.

    Pedro Neto (7/10):

    Bright on the left-wing and picked out Mendes nicely for the goal.

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    Subs & Manager

    Nelson Semedo (6/10):

    Portugal were far more balanced with him on the pitch and he offered an option on the overlap.

    Ruben Neves (6/10):

    Struggled up against Spain's midfield alongside his midfield partners. Scored the decisive penalty.

    Rafael Leao (7/10):

    Added a spark when he replaced Bernardo Silva in the latter stages of the game.

    Renato Veiga (6/10):

    Placed at the heart of defence alongside Ruben Dias and helped shore up defence.

    Goncalo Ramos (5/10):

    Replaced Ronaldo in the 88th minute, but did little.

    Diogo Jota (5/10):

    Missed a late header after coming on in extra time.

    Roberto Martinez (9/10):

    Ronaldo defended him in the build up and he more than proved his worth. Made the right substitutions at the right time and was rewarded.