Portugal has won their second Nations League title after beating Spain 5-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw on Sunday.
Cristiano Ronaldo and company came out on top at the Munich Football Arena to become the first team to win the UEFA Nations League twice.
Spain drew first blood with Martin Zubimendi tapping in after Roberto Martínez’s men twice failed to adequately clear a teasing Lamine Yamal cross.
Barely five minutes later, Portugal was back level; Nuno Mendes beat Unai Simón for his first international goal.
Spain responded on the stroke of half-time when Mikel Oyarzabal clipped past the onrushing Diogo Costa to give them a 2-1 lead at the break.
Ronaldo volleyed in from close range just past the hour mark for his 138th international goal, and Portugal were level again, forcing the game into extra time.
And so to penalties, where the first seven found the net before Álvaro Morata was thwarted by Diogo Costa, allowing Rúben Neves to drive in the decisive spot kick.
Portugal coach Roberto Martínez reflected, “When we work for over 30 games, we start to see confidence, resilience, trust, and quality. Quality plus the other values helps you win trophies. We don’t just have a team; we have 16-17 players on the same level, and, as a coach, I have many options and can change concepts. It’s a different team from when I started; we have more character and confidence.”
Nuno Mendes, who was named Player of the Tournament, added, “We’re very happy for Ronaldo: another title. He helps us on and off the pitch; he gives us a lot of advice. He has a great attitude and winning mentality and is a role model for young people on the national team.”
Portugal XI: Diogo Costa; João Neves (Nélson Semedo 46), Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio (Renato Veiga 74), Nuno Mendes; Bernardo Silva (Rafael Leão 74), Vitinha; Francisco Conceição (Rúben Neves 46), Fernandes, Pedro Neto (Diogo Jota 106); Ronaldo (Gonçalo Ramos 88)
Spain XI: Unai Simón; Mingueza (Pedro Porro 92), Le Normand, Huijsen, Cucurella; Pedri (Isco 74), Zubimendi, Fabián Ruiz (Merino 74); Yamal (Pino 106), Oyarzabal (Morata 111), Williams (Álex Baena 92)
Additional reporting by UEFA.com.
