Munich, 9 June 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Cristiano Ronaldo first scored and then cried tears of joy on the sideline as Portugal won the Nations League for the second time on Sunday, 5-3 on penalties against Spain.

Ronaldo was substituted in the 88th minute but won a third title with his country after Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League when Alvaro Morata's fourth penalty for Spain was saved by Diogo Costa and Ruben Neves then clinched it for Portugal.

Favourites Spain had led twice in regulation, from Martin Zubimendi in the 21st in a goalmouth scramble, and Mikel Oyarzabal's flick on the stroke of half-time.

But Portugal first levelled from Nuno Mendes' effort into the far corner in the 26th, and Ronaldo's close range volley just after the hour.

There were no more goals in extra time before Portugal eventually denied Spain a third title in as many years, following success in the 2023 Nations League and Euro 2024.

In the shoot-out, Portugal converted all five from Goncalo Ramos, who had come on for Ronaldo, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Mendes and Ruben Neves. Mikel Merino, Alex Baena and Isco netted for Spain before Morata's mishap.

Ronaldo scored his 138th goal in his 221st cap, both extending world records, before the 40-year-old went off for Ramos with what appeared to be a thigh problem.

Mendes not only scored in regulation and the shoot-out and set up Ronaldo's goal but he also played a major role in largely containing Spain's 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal whose meeting with Ronaldo had been billed a duel of the generations. Yamal was substituted in the 105th.

Mendes was named Man of the Match after winning a second title in nine days in the Munich arena, having helped Paris Saint-Germain to a first Champions League title on May 31, together with other Portugal team-mates such as Vitinha.

Portugal were considered underdogs against the seemingly invincible La Roja, just like they had in 2016 when they beat France for the Euro title in Paris - where Ronaldo had limped off injured early on.

"We are small in size but we are big in talent, big in personality," Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes said.

"We knew it would be a very difficult game. Spain are one of the best national teams in the world. But we also have a very good team. When we have this togetherness it is very difficult to beat us."

Photo: epa