In what was billed by many as a passing of the torch between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lamine Yamal, it was Nuno Mendes who stole the show, powering Portugal to a pulsating penalty shootout victory over Spain in the UEFA Nations League final in Munich.
Portugal’s 5-3 triumph on penalties, after a 2-2 draw, delivered another international crown for Ronaldo and a reminder that this squad is far more than its veteran icon. The 40-year-old scored his 138th international goal but exited before the shootout, leaving Diogo Costa and Rúben Neves to complete the job.
Spain struck first through Martín Zubimendi, who could soon be Arsenal-bound in a £51m move. But Mendes responded with a stunning solo goal, bursting past Oscar Mingueza and rifling low into the far corner, showcasing the form that made him unplayable in PSG’s Champions League triumph.
Mikel Oyarzabal restored Spain’s lead just before half-time after a lovely move started by Pedri. Yet again, Mendes delivered, surging past a quiet Yamal before his deflected cross found Ronaldo, who volleyed home to level it at 2-2.
Yamal, the 17-year-old phenom, endured a rare subdued outing, neutralised by Mendes in a relentless one-on-one battle. Though he assisted Zubimendi’s opener, it was a quiet night in a final where his stardom was expected to shine.
Ronaldo limped off in the 88th minute, but sprinted back on at full-time, in tears as Portugal sealed the title. The emotion was raw, mirroring Euro 2016, when injury also saw him finish a final from the sidelines.
Spain had quality in depth. Pedri orchestrated, and Oyarzabal, loyal to Real Sociedad, reminded the world of his elite final pedigree. Yet it was Morata’s missed penalty that defined the ending, as Portugal held their nerve.
The Allianz Arena roared for every twist. But when the dust settled, it was Mendes, dynamic, daring, dominant, who stood tallest.
