Spain missed the chance to retain their UEFA Nations League title as their neighbours Portugal beat them 5–3 on penalties to win the competition for the second time. The final finished 2–2 after extra time.

Led by Spanish-born manager Roberto Martínez, Portugal created a golden opportunity in the opening five minutes when a well-worked corner allowed Bernardo Silva to set up the unmarked João Neves, whose volleyed shot went narrowly wide of the post.

However, the Spanish soon responded, creating a glorious chance of their own when Nico Williams laid the ball on a plate for the unmarked Pedri 18 yards from goal. Unfortunately, his side-footed effort flashed inches wide of the target.

A sweeping Spanish move ended with a touch of fortune as Lamine Yamal's teasing delivery was only partially cleared by Portugal and Martín Zubimendi was on hand to prod the ball into an empty net from six yards.

Their joy was short-lived, however, as Portugal hit back inside five minutes through Champions League winner Nuno Mendes, who drove into the box and arrowed a ferocious strike into the far corner.

A third goal looked increasingly likely, and it was an incisive Spanish attack that yielded it just before half-time: Pedri’s deft pass was flicked into the bottom corner by the onrushing Mikel Oyarzabal, restoring La Roja’s lead at a crucial moment.

Portugal never give up, and they did have the ball in the net again just after half-time through Bruno Fernandes, but he had strayed into an offside position before finding the bottom corner.

However, Portugal’s resolve was unwavering, and they eventually found an equaliser through a familiar source. Cristiano Ronaldo reacted fastest to prod home Mário Rui’s deflected cross at the far post.

Spain and Isco came closest to winning the game within 90 minutes, but Diogo Costa's stunning save ensured that the game would go into extra time.

Even after an extra 30 minutes, a winning goal seemed unlikely, with both sides seemingly content to take it to penalties.

Spain are no strangers to penalty shootouts in Nations League finals, having beaten Croatia in the 2023 final. However, when Álvaro Morata missed their fourth penalty with the score at 4–3 to Portugal, Rúben Neves stepped forward to convert and secure victory for Portugal, completing a clean sweep of penalties for the EURO 2016 winners.