Portugal win the Nations League for the second time after a blistering penalty shootout with Spain.
Luis de le Fuente’s side were the favourites ahead of kick off and the first half proved why as the Spaniards swept into an early lead with pace and precision passing. Martin Zubimendi arrived in the box at the right time and turned in a deflection to put La Roja ahead.
Portugal responded four minutes late through a driving run from left-back Nuno Mendes. He cut inside from the left and guided a fine effort into the far bottom corner.
Just before half-time Mikel Oyarzabal restored Spain’s lead and it looked as though they would cruise to victory. Roberto Martinez’s half-time changes helped swing the momentum and Cristiano Ronaldo turned in an equaliser to force the game to penalties.
Portugal were perfect, scoring all five of theirs, with Alvaro Morata having his effort denied by Diogo Costa. That was the defining moment but Ruben Neves still had to score the last spot kick to secure the trophy and he did.
Relive the action from the Allianz Arena with our live blog below. Watch every Club World Cup game live on DAZN.
Spain vs Portugal LIVE
- Portugal win the Nations League after penalty shootout with Spain
- GOAL! PORTUGAL 2-2 Spain (Cristiano Ronaldo, 61 minutes)
- GOAL! Portugal 1-2 SPAIN (Mikel Oyarzabal, 45 minutes)
- GOAL! PORTUGAL 1-1 Spain (Nuno Mendes, 26 minutes)
- GOAL! Portugal 0-1 SPAIN (Martin Zubimendi, 22 minutes)
Portugal win Nations League with penalty shootout victory over Spain
23:24 , Mike JonesDiogo Costa was the shootout hero as Portugal won the Nations League by defeating defending champions Spain 5-3 on penalties after twice coming from behind to draw 2-2 in Munich.
Porto goalkeeper Costa denied Alvaro Morata from the spot before Ruben Neves slammed home the next kick to seal glory for Roberto Martinez's men.
Talk of the first meeting between 40-year-old Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo and 17-year-old Spain winger Lamine Yamal dominated the build-up to the Allianz Arena showdown.
Portugal win Nations League with penalty shootout victory over Spain
Nations League presentation
23:08 , Mike JonesThe Spanish side step up onto the stage and receive their runners-up medals.
Portugal manager, Roberto Martinez, then leads up his team with Cristiano Ronaldo arriving last on the stage.
It is another moment in his remarkable career, another medal and another trophy.
Ronaldo is handed the silverware, he comes over to his team and hoists it high.
The confetti is thrown and the celebrations begin.
Mendes named Player of the Match
23:05 , Mike JonesPortugal goalscorer Nuno Mendes was named Player of the Match by the Uefa Technical Observer Group.
They said: "He was incredible, both in attack and defensively during the tournament.
“He scored, also providing an assist on top of this."
More goals for Ronaldo
23:01 , Mike JonesCristiano Ronaldo is now the joint-second top scorer in Nations League history with 15 goals, equal with Aleksandar Mitrović and behind only Erling Haaland (19).
Portugal beat Spain on penalties to win Nations League
22:58 , Mike Jones
Portugal win the Nations League
22:54 , Mike JonesThere is a bit of behind the scenes debate about Portugal’s manager Roberto Martinez.
The new president of the Portuguese federation wants a change but this Nations League victory is a big plus for Martinez.
He has a great win percentage as Portugal boss and now has a trophy to boot.
'Ronaldo played his part'
22:51 , Mike JonesAndros Townsend spoke on ITV saying: “Cristiano Ronaldo played his part tonight.
“He more than played his part in the semi-final. He has proven he can still make a difference at the highest level.”
Penalties: Portugal 5-3 Spain
22:43 , Mike JonesRuben Neves has a chance to win the Nations League...
... he does!
He rolls the ball to the goalkeeper’s left, Unai Simon dives the wrong way.
Portugal have done it. They’ve won the Nations League!
Penalties: Portugal 4-3 Spain
22:43 , Mike JonesHere comes Alvaro Morata.
He only came on late in the game. He shoots to Diogo Costa’s right.
The Portuguese leaps the correct way and keeps it out!
Big moment, huge save!
Penalties: Portugal 4-3 Spain
22:42 , Mike JonesNuno Mendes is no nonsense. Short run up, top right corner!
Penalties: Portugal 3-3 Spain
22:41 , Mike JonesIsco!
He hooks his spot kick to the goalkeeper’s right.
Diogo Costa goes the right way and gets a big hand to the ball but can’t keep it out!
Penalties: Portugal 3-2 Spain
22:40 , Mike JonesCristiano Ronaldo can’t look.
Bruno Fernandes is the next taker for Portugal. He takes his time, does his classic stutter run up and guides it to the bottom left corner.
Portugal lead again.
Penalties: Portugal 2-2 Spain
22:39 , Mike JonesAlex Baena rolls his spot kick into the bottom right corner as well.
Simple as you like.
Penalties: Portugal 2-1 Spain
22:39 , Mike JonesVitinha is up next for Portugal. He places the ball, steps back.
A slow approach before hooking the ball into the side netting.
Unai Simon goes the right way but the penalty is perfectly placed!
Penalties: Portugal 1-1 Spain
22:38 , Mike JonesMikel Merino whips his shot into the bottom right corner as Diogo Costa jumps the opposite way.
Penalties: Portugal 1-0 Spain
22:37 , Mike JonesGoncalo Ramos steps up first and rolls the penalty down the middle.
Unai Simon dives to the right and misses it.
Portugal lead.
Full-time! Portugal 2-2 Spain, 120+1 minutes
22:33 , Mike JonesDiogo Jota has a chance right at the end of this game. Ruben Dias floats a cross into the penalty area and Jota is there to win the header.
He glances the towards goal but lifts it over the crossbar.
The Nations League final is going to a penalty shootout.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s second half equaliser allowed Portugal to get back into the game.
Who will go on to win it?
Portugal 2-2 Spain, 117 minutes
22:28 , Mike JonesAlvaro Morata makes a nice darting run into the box and receives the pass.
He squares the ball and almost finds Isco who lunges and sweeps a leg towards it.
He takes out a defender first and Portugal are awarded a free kick.
Portugal 2-2 Spain, 114 minutes
22:25 , Mike JonesSpain are trying to regain control of the game but Portugal’s counter-attacking prowess is dangerous with Leao.
Portugal look the more likely to score as time ticks on.
Portugal 2-2 Spain, 111 minutes
22:22 , Mike JonesPedro Porro is booked.
He puts a cross into the box that gets intercepted and poked up to Rafael Leao.
Leao drives forward and Porro catches him with a lunging tackle. That earns the right back a yellow card and he’ll need to be wary against the winger now.
Alvaro Morata is on now too. Mikel Oyarzabal has gone off.
Portugal 2-2 Spain, 108 minutes
22:20 , Mike JonesWow! Pedro Porro takes the ball back and laces a long, long shot - he’s barely inside Portugal’s half - at goal.
Diogo Costa is off his line which encourages Porro to shoot.
For half a heartbeat it seems as though the ball will drop in time but instead it lands on the roof of the goal.
A close call for Portugal.
Portugal 2-2 Spain, 105 minutes
22:18 , Mike JonesLamine Yamal is off with Yeremy Pino on instead for Spain.
For Portugal, their final change sees Diogo Jota on to replace Pedro Neto.
Not long left before penalties.
Portugal 2-2 Spain, 105 minutes
22:14 , Mike JonesHalf-time of extra time arrives with no change to the scoreline.
Lamine Yamal has been ineffective bar one shot that Diogo Costa easily dealt with.
15 minutes to play and the trophy is still on the line.
Portugal 2-2 Spain, 102 minutes
22:08 , Mike JonesNuno Mendes receives the ball on the left wing and drives superbly into the penalty area.
He dances around three defenders then goes to ground wanting a penalty.
The referee waves for play to go on but there’s a kerfuffle.
Mendes and Alex Baena have a barney and square up to each other. There’s involvement from both teams and the referee has to make sense of it all.
There’s some pushing and theatrical falls but nothing dangerous.
Mendes and Baena are booked.
Portugal 2-2 Spain, 99 minutes
22:05 , Mike JonesSpain hang the ball in the box and it drops to Mikel Oyarzabal.
He squares a pass but the ball is turned into the feet of Marc Cucurella.
From the edge of the box, the defender shoots but scuffs his effort high and wide.
Portugal 2-2 Spain, 96 minutes
22:02 , Mike JonesAlex Baena and Pedro Porro are introduced for Spain with Oscar Mingueza and Nico Williams the two men replaced.
Plenty of substitutes on the pitch now. Will any of them have a decisive impact?
Portugal 2-2 Spain, 93 minutes
22:00 , Mike JonesClose! It should have been Portugal.
Nuno Mendes drifts into space on the left wing and drives forward.
He cuts a pass into the penalty area and Nelson Semedo arrives from deep.
He meets the ball but turns it wide of the near post!
Extra-time: Portugal 2-2 Spain, 90 minutes
21:58 , Mike JonesPortugal get the ball rolling again.
They ended the 90 minutes with the better momentum but Spain are a constant threat.
The next goal could be decisive. Who will get it?
Full-time! Portugal 2-2 Spain, 90+2 minutes
21:52 , Mike JonesFernandes whips the set piece towards the far post and Unai Simon leaps forward to punch it clear.
The whistle goes to end the 90 minutes, the Nations League final will be decided by extra time.
Portugal 2-2 Spain, 90 minutes
21:51 , Mike JonesRafael Leao weaves past Martin Zubimendi then gets clattered by Robin Le Normand.
There’s only going to be two minutes added on but Portugal have a free kick in a dangerous area.
What can Bruno Fernandes do with it?
Portugal 2-2 Spain, 88 minutes
21:48 , Mike JonesCristiano Ronaldo has an issue. A twinge or something in his leg.
He hobbles off the pitch with a shake of the head.
Goncalo Ramos replaces him. There’s a big hug for manager Roberto Martinez as well.
Ronaldo will have to watch from the sidelines to see how this match plays out.
Portugal 2-2 Spain, 85 minutes
21:46 , Mike JonesSpain’s fluidity in midfield has gone. It’s been a lot more stop-start since the changes from both managers.
Mikel Oyarzabal collects a pass over the top and lobs the goalkeeper. Renato Veiga hooks it off the line but the offside flag is up anyway.
Portugal 2-2 Spain, 82 minutes
21:41 , Mike JonesThe corner ball is whipped into the middle of the penalty area after some argy bargy.
Cucurella is there to win the initial header and the ball is turned to the edge of the box.
Lamine Yamal attempts to counter attack but is held back by Pedro Neto who earns himself a yellow card.
Portugal 2-2 Spain, 79 minutes
21:38 , Mike JonesThe substitutions suggest that Spain want to get this match won before extra-time.
Portugal too have brought on an attacking threat in Rafael Leao.
He receives a cross field pass on the left wing which he flicks into the far side of the box.
Nelson Semedo is there but Marc Cucurella gets to it first and turns the ball behind for a corner.
Portugal 2-2 Spain, 76 minutes
21:37 , Mike JonesChanges!
Pedri and Fabian Ruiz are hooked off by the Spain coach Luis de la Fuente. In their place come Mikel Merino and Isco.
For Portugal, Rafael Leao and Renato Veiga have come on to take the places of Goncalo Inacio and Bernardo Silva.
Portugal 2-2 Spain, 73 minutes
21:32 , Mike JonesBernardo Silva and Nelson Semedo combine on the right side for Portugal with the pair driving the ball forward.
Semedo has it in the box and shoots but Unai Simon keeps it out at the nearest post once again.
Portugal 2-2 Spain, 70 minutes
21:30 , Mike JonesNico Williams is having a game. Nelson Semedo sticks with him as he cuts inside but the winger still manages to get off a curling shot.
It’s a decent one but the effort is whipped wide of the far post.
Williams smiles ruefully. He could have done better with that and his smile suggests maybe next time is the one.
Portugal 2-2 Spain, 67 minutes
21:26 , Mike JonesChance! Bruno Fernandes sweeps in from the right wing now and decides to take a shot.
He troubles Unai Simon but the goalkeeper has a tight grip on the ball at the near post.
Spain need to weather a bit of a storm at the minute.
Portugal 2-2 Spain, 64 minutes
21:26 , Mike JonesSpain were in control but Ronaldo’s poacher instincts kicked in again inside the six-yard box and the match is alive once more.
Bruno Fernandes floats a free kick into the Spanish box and Ruben Dias complains about a tug on his shirt.
The referee waves him away after Spain clear their lines.
GOAL! PORTUGAL 2-2 Spain (Cristiano Ronaldo, 61 minutes)
21:22 , Mike JonesEqualiser!
Nuno Mendes sweeps forward on the left wing and dances around Lamine Yamal to get some space.
His cross into the box takes a deflection and loops over to the far post.
Cristiano Ronaldo leans on Marc Cucurella and shields him from the ball before flicking a volley past Unai Simon.
All square.
Portugal 1-2 Spain, 60 minutes
21:20 , Mike JonesHalf an hour still to play here in Munich and Spain are in control.
Portugal need to find another level from somewhere and that might be off the bench.
Portugal 1-2 Spain, 57 minutes
21:16 , Mike JonesRobin Le Normand pushes into midfield and slides into a tackle on Ronaldo dispossessing the forward.
Spain turn the ball over and work it across to Fabian Ruiz on the inside left channel.
He shoots from outside the box and forces a low save out of Diogo Costa.
Portugal 1-2 Spain, 54 minutes
21:14 , Mike JonesPortugal are seeing a bit more of the ball now especially inside Spain’s final third.
It comes to the feet of Ruben Neves who strikes a shot from distance.
It’s blocked and Cristiano Ronaldo shouts for a handball but his appeals are turned down.
Portugal 1-2 Spain, 51 minutes
21:11 , Mike JonesSpain are so good. Portugal’s press has been decent but the Spanish are incredibly accurate and have beat it so many times.
That’s making the Portuguese midfield track back quickly and do a lot of running.
Portugal come down the right wing and lift a cross into the box. Dean Huijsen rises and nods the ball away.
Portugal 1-2 Spain, 48 minutes
21:10 , Mike JonesSpain have dominated possession since the restart.
They’re trying to get down the left wing with Marc Cucurella and Nico Williams pushing high.
Goal!
Bruno Fernandes receives the ball on the left side for Portugal and flicks it on to Pedro Neto.
The one-two gets Fernandes in behind the defence and he slots the ball past Unai Simon.
Portugal think they have their equaliser but the offside flag goes up against Neto and it’s the correct decision.
Second half! Portugal 1-2 Spain
21:05 , Mike JonesSpain get the ball rolling once more. Portugal have come from behind once in this match, can they do it again?
HT: Portugal 1-2 Spain
21:03 , Mike JonesNelson Semedo is brought on by Roberto Martinez with Joao Neves taken off.
Ruben Neves is also on with Francisco Conceicao the man replaced.
Can those changes gets Portugal back into this match?
HT: Portugal 1-2 Spain
20:58 , Mike JonesWill Spain go on to win the Nations League?
The Euro 2024 winners find themselves ahead at the break but Portugal have shown that they can challenge.
The substitutions may be key in the second half. Let’s see how it all plays out.
HT: Portugal 1-2 Spain
20:54 , Mike Jones
HT: Portugal 1-2 Spain
20:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleGood fun in Munich, heated and hectic virtually from first whistle to last. Spain are deservedly ahead having had much more control of the contest, but Portugal have threatened often enough to suggest there may well be more goals to come at both ends. We’ll be back in a bit for the second helping.
HALF TIME: Portugal 1-2 Spain
20:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Portugal 1-2 Spain, 45 minutes
20:47 , Harry Latham-CoyleInto two additional minutes at the end of half...and out of them without incident. That’ll be that.
GOAL! Portugal 1-2 SPAIN (Mikel Oyarzabal, 45 minutes)
20:46 , Harry Latham-CoyleSpain lead on the stroke of half time!
Portugal cry foul again but Mikel Oyarzabal wheels away in celebration. Bernardo Silva goes down too easily and then Spain romp away, yellow shirts overwhelming the men in red in front of them. A delicate pass from Pedri is matched by a beautifully judged finish from Oyarzabal, simply nudging it past Diogo Costa to put Spain back in front. He may not be a natural centre forward in the truest sense, but that showed real finishing nous.
Portugal 1-1 Spain, 42 minutes
20:44 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere’s a fair bit of bite about this game, as one might expect given it’s a meeting of proud neighbouring nations with a trophy on the line. It rather contrasts with the dross served up by various other teams in slightly less consequential fixtures in this international window rammed in before the top club players are forced to go again at the Club World Cup. The calendar really is out of control.
Portugal 1-1 Spain, 39 minutes
20:40 , Harry Latham-CoylePedri and Lamine Yamal strike up their Catalan connection, the pair combining as they have for Barcelona all season.
A soft foul from Francisco Conceicao on Marc Cucurella grants Spain a chance to start again having rather run aground in the passage.
Portugal 1-1 Spain, 35 minutes
20:37 , Harry Latham-CoyleA stabbed cross from Pedro Neto briefly has Unai Simon worried, though the goalkeeper withdraws his paw with the ball bound for the topside of the net.
Portugal 1-1 Spain, 33 minutes
20:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleAn odd one, of course, for Roberto Martinez tonight, a Spaniard in charge of Spain. He seemed to love that goal, pumping the arms in his technical area.
Portugal 1-1 Spain, 31 minutes
20:32 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnother excellent ball into the box from Spain, this time from the boot of Pedri, causes havoc, though Portugal just about clear their lines.
Portugal 1-1 Spain, 28 minutes
20:29 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s wide open! A sumptuous ball from Lamine Yamal just evades Nico Williams as Diogo Costa shuts the space down effectively.
GOAL! PORTUGAL 1-1 Spain (Nuno Mendes, 26 minutes)
20:27 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd Nuno Mendes provides it! What a season the left-back has had and that’s another magic moment!
Patient build-up play from Portugal leaves plenty of bodies between Mendes and goal as he picks up the ball 25 yards out. But a devastating drop of the shoulder creates enough room to unfurl an unstoppable drive into the far corner past Unai Simon.
Hang on, though - was Cristiano Ronaldo offside earlier in the movement?...Nope, goal stands!
Portugal 0-1 Spain, 25 minutes
20:26 , Harry Latham-CoyleA good bit of defending from Ruben Dias ensures that Spain don’t double their lead in short order. Portugal need something here, though...
GOAL! Portugal 0-1 SPAIN (Martin Zubimendi, 22 minutes)
20:22 , Harry Latham-CoyleSpain strike! Another fluent, flowing move and there’s Martin Zubimendi to tap in after a stroke of luck!
It had been coming. The pressure had been piled on Portugal in the last 10 minutes, Roberto Martinez’s men unable to get out. Lamine Yamal’s inswinging cross is deflected first by Ruben Dias and then Joao Neves, with the pair of Portuguese contriving to set up Zubimendi for the simplest of finishes.
A quick clearance of a possible offside by VAR, and Spain are 1-0 in front.
Portugal 0-0 Spain, 19 minutes
20:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleAn early-ish booking for Goncalo Inacio, the centre-back second to a forward hoist and rather uncomfortably colliding with Mikel Oyarzabal’s neck and head. Perhaps a touch harsh, but the referee has set the tone.
Portugal 0-0 Spain, 18 minutes
20:18 , Harry Latham-CoyleClose again! You do rather feel for Joao Neves here, far from a specialist right back but having to contend with Nico Williams and all that the Athletic Bilbao trickster has in his toolbox. Williams sears Neves on the inside and then fires just over the angle of the goal.
Portugal 0-0 Spain, 15 minutes
20:16 , Harry Latham-CoyleGuided wide by Pedri! A scintillating move from Spain, a delicious switch from Dean Huijsen allowing Nico Williams room to roam down the left and then the Barcelona midfielder picked out 15 yards from goal. The intent is right, the execution not quite there, a vacant corner evaded by a few feet.
Portugal 0-0 Spain, 14 minutes
20:14 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat’s less good from the teenage phenom. Lamine Yamal blazes some way over the bar - it’s nice to know there’s something he can’t do.
Portugal 0-0 Spain, 12 minutes
20:13 , Harry Latham-CoyleWow! What feet from Lamine Yamal, weaving like a mamba between Portuguese tackles. Bernardo Silva takes his legs away; free kick in a very, very dangerous position.
Portugal 0-0 Spain, 11 minutes
20:12 , Harry Latham-CoyleCredit to Cristiano Ronaldo, who is pressing high and hard so far to try and put pressure on Robin Le Normand and Dean Huijsen. It does seem slightly odd that he’s still trucking on, and one would suggest it will entirely be his decision when time is called on his international career, but the veteran popped up with the winner in the semi-final and clearly still has qualities to offer.
Portugal 0-0 Spain, 10 minutes
20:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleSpain are beginning to take more regular control of possession, so much ball-playing talent in that midfield, of course, with Fabian Ruiz joining Pedri and Martin Zubimendi. Portugal holding their shape well enough so far, though.
Portugal 0-0 Spain, 7 minutes
20:07 , Harry Latham-CoyleNico Williams sparks into life as he gets a first run in earnest down the left, connecting initially with a teammate but Spain squeezed out thereafter. Marc Cucurella, by the way, is not a popular man, the German fans who recall his possible handball during Euro 2024 clearly possessing good memories.
Portugal 0-0 Spain, 5 minutes
20:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleA first corner for Portugal, and up lumber the big men...and that’s an amazing chance for Joao Neves! A defender takes a tumble but the officials are happy there is no foul, and the midfielder-cum-right-back should therefore do much better when the ball is chested back to him. He snatches at it, and away it bounces for a goal kick.
Portugal 0-0 Spain, 2 minutes
20:02 , Harry Latham-CoyleA slightly curious bit of football from Marc Cucurella, slapping a Portuguese player on the back completely unnecessarily. It was never going to do any damage - rather odd.
KICK OFF!
20:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleUp and running in Munich.
Nations League final
19:58 , Harry Latham-CoyleRight, here we go. Is it Portugal’s night? Or can Spain be inspired by a simply extraordinary victory by Carlos Alcaraz at the French Open?
Nations League final
19:56 , Harry Latham-CoyleOut the players come, both in their anthem jackets, a simply stupid number of flags fluttering elsewhere on the pitch with each constituent member of the Nations League represented somewhere. Even as a vexillophile, it’s a bit much.
Nations League final
19:53 , Harry Latham-CoyleJesus Navas and Pepe bring the trophy out, a player from each nation placing it on the plinth. Eyes on the prize.
Two-time winners?
19:50 , Mike JonesPortugal won this competition in 2019 and became the first-ever Nations League victors.
They now have the opportunity to lead the way again as they bid to become the first two-time winners of the competition.
However, Spain are in the exact same position as current Nations League champions. Winning the competition twice in a row would be another reason to believe they are Europe’s best footballing nation.
De la Fuente on Nations League
19:45 , Mike JonesLuis de la Fuente spoke about his love and respect for the Nations League, competition that gets overlooked more often than not.
“We know how tough this competition was from the beginning, supported by data,” he said,
“You don’t always come up against such good teams. Four of the best five teams in Europe are here.
“This is a super-tough competition, very demanding, a lot of prestige and it will be valued increasingly as time goes by.”
Martinez on Spain's tactics
19:40 , Mike JonesThe Portugal coach explained: "I think in general when you used to play against Spain, you had to control the way they keep the ball, the way they control the games with the ball possession, the way they can drag you out of position.
“They do that, because it’s in their DNA. It’s how the players are developed in the early years.
“But now, they added pace and verticality with Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal.
“So you’re talking about probably one of the best teams in the world in terms of using that speed and using that transition, with the normal aspect of a team that know how to play, how to keep the ball, how to defend with the ball, and that makes them a very complete team."
'We believed we could do it'
19:35 , Mike JonesPortugal coach, Roberto Martínez said he always believed his team could beat Germany in Germany.
"We believed that we could do it, but obviously until you do it, there’s a massive gap, there’s a big difference,” he said when reviewing the semi-final.
“In football, you need moments like that. It [had been] 25 years since the last time that Portugal beat Germany, you’re playing away from home, you’re playing against a team that have got a very good record at home but it’s not just about what Germany can do.
“And then an even bigger setback is conceding a goal. The reaction was strong, very resilient, and probably all those values that we’re going to need in the final if we want to beat Spain."
21 years since Portugal beat Spain
19:30 , Mike JonesIt’s been 21 years since Portugal beat Spain in a competitive fixture but Cristiano Ronaldo believes that fact has no bearing on tonight’s match.
“Each game is separate,” he said.
“We hadn’t beaten Germany in many years but pages turn. We know it’s going to be very tough but that is the nature of finals.
“Spain are very confident, have not lost in 24 [competitive] games but we have our own weapons. We believe it’s going to work out for us.”
'We're feeling upbeat and confident'
19:25 , Mike JonesCristiano Ronaldo says his team are confident about winning the Nations League when they come toe-to-toe with Spain later tonight.
The Portugal captain revealed: "We’re all feeling upbeat, confident, playing an amazing team, maybe the best in the world, but we’re confident after what we did in our last tie.
“I hope we can rise to the occasion and win it because this is the nature of final.
“We are at peace and we believe things will work out for us.”
'It's going to be a good final'
19:20 , Mike JonesPortugal midfielder, João Neves, spoke in a press conference ahead of Sunday's game.
He said: "It's going to be a good final, which will be a pleasure to watch.
“We're expecting a very strong Spain side, as well as Portugal, who also have their strengths and want to take advantage of their opponents' weaknesses."
Yamal on stepping up against Ronaldo
19:15 , Mike JonesLamine Yamal is the latest Spanish star taking the headlines and he spoke about potential facing Cristiano Ronaldo in the Nations League showpiece.
The teenager said: "It’s a special game, a final against a great team. You get some extra motivation.
“I want to prove who I am in a game like this, but it’s extra motivation to get one more title in a game like this.
"Ronaldo is a legend and I have huge respect but I’ll do my job and try to win on Sunday.”
'It's very difficult to reach finals'
19:10 , Mike JonesSpain’s head coach, Luis de la Fuente, spoke about the Nations League final and how he is targeting success.
“It’s very difficult to reach finals, and the important thing about this team is they are hungry,” he said.
“They want more success: competing and winning. The look in the eyes of the players who had been there before and the new players was the same.
“I’m excited to see young players who want to make history for the national team.”
Harry Kane admits England ‘got away with it’ against Andorra
19:05 , Mike JonesEngland captain Harry Kane admits Thomas Tuchel’s side “got away with it” having put in a sloppy display in Saturday’s drab encounter with minnows Andorra.
After starting World Cup qualification, and the German’s reign, with Wembley wins against Albania and Latvia, things fell flat against the 173rd-best team in the world in Barcelona.
Harry Kane admits England ‘got away with it’ against Andorra
England’s drab display against Andorra shows football’s real problem
19:00 , Miguel DelaneyAfter a game that was so dismally lacking in spark, Thomas Tuchel had one message he clearly wanted to repeat, doing so in three different interviews: “We were playing with fire.”
It says much that a Champions League-winning manager genuinely thought there was a chance that England might slip up to Andorra. Another comment after this dreadful 1-0 win said even more.
England’s drab display against Andorra shows football’s real problem
'I hope to bring the cup back to Spain'
18:55 , Mike JonesFollowing their epic win over France in the Nations League semi-final, Spain’s players have one aim in mind and that is to win the trophy.
Lamine Yamal spoke about facing Portugal in Sunday's final and said: "Just like our semi-final, [it's between] good teams. I hope to bring the cup back to Spain."
Meanwhile, his teammate, Pedri, added: "It won't be easy, but it's another final and we have to [be ready]."
Mikel Merino chose to pinpoint Portgual’s individual quality as their biggest threat saying: "They're another team of incredible quality – just look at the starting 11 and the squad. They are similar to France, with a lot of individual quality."
Team news - Portugal
18:47 , Harry Latham-CoyleAs expected, Vitinha is promoted into the Portugal starting team, with Francisco Conceicao also deployed in the front three having featured off the bench against Germany.
Portugal XI: Costa; Neves, Dias, Inacio, Mendes; Vitinha, Fernandes, Silva; Conceicao, Ronaldo, Neto.
O 𝗫𝗜 𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 para a grande Final 💫 #FazHistória#FazHistória | #PORESP #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/MJr2RQcYLf
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) June 8, 2025
Francisco Conceicao on the final:
18:40 , Mike JonesSpeaking before he knew which opponent Portugal would play in the Nations League final, Francisco Conceicao, revealed that his team would just focus on themselves and prepare the best they can.
He said: "We know it’ll be a very tough game against Spain or France, both of whom are very strong teams, each with their own strengths.
“But we have to play our game, focus on ourselves, and do the best we can to win."
Lamine Yamal dazzles as Spain edge France in nine-goal Nations League thriller
18:30 , Mike JonesSpain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal inspired his country to a thrilling 5-4 win over France to send the holders through to their third successive Nations League final where they will face Iberian neighbours Portugal.
The European champions dazzled in the first half of the semi-final at the MHP Arena and raced into a 2-0 lead with fine goals by Nico Williams and Mikel Merino inside 25 minutes.
Lamine Yamal dazzles as Spain edge France in nine-goal Nations League thriller
Team news - Spain
18:29 , Harry Latham-CoyleA couple of changes to the Spanish side, with Oscar Mingueza in at right-back for Pedro Porro and Fabian Ruiz adding his classy touches to the midfield instead of Mikel Merino.
Spain XI: Simon; Mingueza, Le Normand, Huijsen, Cucurella; Zubimendi, Ruiz, Pedri; Yamal, Oyarzabal, Williams.
🚨 OFICIAL | 𝗢𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) June 8, 2025
👥 Así salimos para luchar por nuestra segunda #NationsLeague#VamosEspaña pic.twitter.com/tLFuEP9MUl
Latest odds
18:25 , Mike JonesThe bookmakers are heavily backing a Spanish win in the Nations League though Portugal have perhaps an underrated team.
The noise around them surrounds Cristiano Ronaldo and his longevity which takes pressure off the more famous members of the squad such as Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva.
This could be a cracking game. Here are the latest odds:
- Spain to win Nations League - 1/2
- Portugal to win Nations League - 13/8
Portugal's early team news
18:20 , Mike JonesPortugal may also make a midfield change, bringing in Vitinha alongside Joao Neves and Bruno Fernandes. That may see Bernardo Silva pushed further forward.
Predicted Portugal XI: Diogo Costa; Semedo, Dias, Inacio, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Fernandes; Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo, Neto.
Spain's early team news
18:15 , Mike JonesLuis de la Fuente hinted after Spain’s semi-final win that any changes to the Spain team would be minimal.
“There's not a lot I have to change for Sunday,” De La Fuente remarked, though the manager may consider bringing Fabian Ruiz back into the starting side.
Predicted Spain XI: Simon; Porro, Le Normand, Huijsen, Cucurella; Merino, Pedri, Fabian Ruíz: Yamal, Oyarzabal, Williams.
How can I watch it?
18:10 , Mike JonesViewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on ITV1, with coverage on the channel from 7.30pm BST. A live stream will be available via ITVX.
When is Spain vs Portugal?
18:05 , Mike JonesSpain vs Portugal is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Sunday 8 June at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
Spain vs Portugal
18:00 , Mike JonesSpain and Portugal meet in a battle of Iberian nations to settle the latest edition of the Nations League.
Talismanic forwards young and old, respectively, helped settle two competitive semi-finals as Lamine Yamal and Cristiano Ronaldo helped their side progress, the Barcelona teenager in fine form in a nine-goal thriller against France and veteran Ronaldo scoring the winner against hosts Germany.
It sets up an encounter between two former competition champions as Spain defend their title and Portugal return to the final for the first time since their 2019 success.
This will be the 41st international fixture between the pair, with the derby always hotly-contested.
Nations League final LIVE
11:09 , Harry Latham-CoyleSpain and Portugal tussle for the title of 2025 Nations League champions as a battle of Iberia settles the tournament in Munich. Perhaps not a prize yet that every player covets, this meeting of neighbouring nations is nonetheless sure to be hard fought as the inaugural winners, with Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks, take on the European champions looking to stop Lamine Yamal and co. from retaining their crown.
Kick off is at 8pm BST.
