Portugal defeated arch-rivals Spain in a dramatic penalty shootout to win their second UEFA Nations League trophy, following a pulsating 2-2 draw in regulation time at the final in Munich.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who pulled Portugal level with a 61st-minute volley, was substituted before extra time and watched the climactic shootout from the sidelines. The Portuguese captain broke down in tears of joy after Ruben Neves scored the decisive penalty and goalkeeper Diogo Costa denied Alvaro Morata.

Spain struck first in the 21st minute when Martin Zubimendi capitalized on Portugal's defensive lapse to poke home the opener. But the lead lasted only five minutes as Nuno Mendes drilled a low strike into the far corner past Unai Simon.

La Roja regained the lead before halftime through Mikel Oyarzabal, the hero of their Euro 2024 final win, who slotted in from inside the box.

Ronaldo responded in trademark fashion after the break, outmuscling Marc Cucurella and finishing off Mendes’ deflected cross to restore parity. The 39-year-old’s goal marked a fitting contribution in what may be his final international final.

After a tense extra-time period failed to produce a winner, Portugal held their nerve in the shootout. Gonçalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and Nuno Mendes converted confidently before Costa saved Morata’s tame effort. Neves then stepped up and sealed victory, sending Portugal into the record books as the first nation to claim two Nations League titles.

Spain, champions of the 2023 edition, were left heartbroken as Portugal celebrated a memorable night in Munich and further cemented their status as one of Europe’s modern football powerhouses.