Portugal s penalty shootout defeated Spain, Ronaldo made history again

At the Allianz Stadium in Munich in the early morning of June 9, 2025, Portugal and Spain contributed a classic showdown to fans around the world that was recorded in the history of the European League.

The Iberia derby worth 2.3 billion euros was finally defeated by Portugal's penalty 5-3 and a total score of 7-5. The 39-year-old Ronaldo used a key goal to help the team break the curse of not beating Spain in 2015 official games, and also made himself the first player in the football world with three national team championships. After the start of the game, the Spanish youth team quickly took the initiative. In the 21st minute, Subimedi received a cross from Yamal to score. This was the second national team goal in Real Sociedad's midfield career.

But Portugal's counterattack came faster. Five minutes later, Paris Saint-Germain full-back Nuno Mendes equalized with a low shot. The 23-year-old left-lane wing ran 12.3 kilometers in the game, perfectly interpreting the offensive and defensive balance of modern full-backs. In the stoppage time of the first half, Pedri made a subtle pass and assisted Oyasabal to push and shoot. While Spain led 2-1, it also set a new record for 25 goals in the European League in a single season.

In the 61st minute of the second half, Portugal played a classic side-middle cooperation, Nuno Mendes made a cross from the left, and Ronaldo scored the 138th goal in front of the goal.

This goal allowed the Portuguese captain to continue to expand his leading position in the national team's historical scorer list, with 26 more goals than second place Messi. It is worth mentioning that Ronaldo scored 7 goals in 7 games in this UEFA Nations League. It was his winning goal before the final to help the team reverse Germany 2-1. Neither side made any achievements in overtime, and Spanish teenager Yamal performed slightly silent. The 17-year-old star failed to continue his amazing performance against France in his last national team match before he became an adult. The penalty shootout became the performance stage for Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa, who saved Morata's penalty.

This is the 6th key penalty for the Spanish striker's career, and it also continues the embarrassing record of four defeats in the last five international competitions. Portugal made all five free throws, and after Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves scored a winning penalty, the team rushed to the sidelines to celebrate with Ronaldo who had left the court early due to injury. This championship makes Portugal the first team to win two championships in UEFA history, and the last championship was traced back to the first event in 2019.

From technical statistics, Spain's ball possession rate is advantageous with 58%, and the pass success rate is 89% higher than Portugal's 83%, but Portugal is better in counterattack efficiency, scoring 2 goals with 6 shots in the game.

Spanish coach de La Fuente admitted after the game: "We have created more opportunities, but Portugal has shown stronger decisive ability. " Portugal coach Martinez especially praised veteran Ronaldo: "His professional attitude is a textbook for young players, and that goal showed the smell of top scorers. "

This game is also a witness to the inheritance of two generations of players.

39-year-old Ronaldo and 17-year-old Yamal are 22 years apart, which is almost equivalent to the age difference between the two generations. When Ronaldo first participated in the European Cup in 2004, Yamal was not born yet. Now this Portuguese legend proves with actual performance that age is never the only criterion for measuring the value of a player. He said emotionally after the game: "It is always special to win the championship for Portugal, which is one of the most precious trophys in my career. "

Although Spain missed the championship, its offensive firepower of 25 goals in 10 games still set a new record in the event.

The growth of young players such as Yamal and Pedri makes people see the future of the Bullfighters Legion. Portugal's victory demonstrated the power of team football, from goalkeeper Diogo Costa's brave save to Nuno Mendez's all-round performance to Ronaldo's key goal, everyone contributed to the championship.

This final is destined to be recorded in the history of football. It is not only a wonderful game, but also the best interpretation of persistence and belief.

When Ronaldo raised the trophy with his teammates, they proved that a united team could beat any strong opponent. For Spain, this loss may become the most valuable experience for young players on the road to growth.