Ronaldo’s Goal, Mendes Masterclass Stun Spain in Final

Cristiano Ronaldo watched the final moments from the bench, but he’d already reshaped the story. When Portugal drew level with Spain midway through the second half of the Nations League final, it was his sharp movement and finish—goal number 138 for his country—that did it.

“Winning for Portugal is always special. I have many titles with clubs, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal,” said Ronaldo. “It’s tears. It’s duty done and a lot of joy.”

Portugal would go on to win the shootout after a 2-2 draw, handing Ronaldo a third international honour to go with Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League. The 40-year-old, now playing with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, scored eight times in nine games during this latest campaign, only Viktor Gyokeres managed more.

The defeat left Spain empty-handed for the first time in a while, their run since the 2022 World Cup having included both the Nations League in 2023 and Euro 2024.

Nuno Mendes was decisive, getting on the scoresheet and locking down La Roja’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who’d terrorised France in the semi-final. The PSG left-back’s performance—not just for how often he disrupted Spain’s attacks, but for how directly he drove forward—earned him man of the match.

“He was incredible, both in attack and defensively during the tournament,” UEFA’s technical observer group declared. “He scored in the final, also providing an assist in the semi-final.”

Ronaldo commented pre-match that “it’s one team versus another,” brushing off the narrative of a generational duel with 17-year-old phenom Yamal. Still, he had the last word by scoring again—his 938th senior goal—and aiding defensively, even dispossessing Yamal at one point.

ITV’s Andros Townsend said: “This is why Cristiano Ronaldo is on the football pitch. He is a predator in the box.” Karen Carney added: “Ronaldo’s eyes lit up. ‘Who else? Me.’”

Former Barcelona midfielder Guillem Balague noted of Yamal: “Yamal will learn tonight. He was completely anonymous.”

Ronaldo had just 22 touches but left an imprint. So did Mendes, who finished with the most touches in Spain’s area, four successful dribbles—three more than anyone else on his team—seven duels won, and five tackles completed.

“There is something special about him,” said Carney. “What a joy to have in your team.” Balague said Mendes was now “top 10 Ballon d’Or” material and described him as Yamal’s “nemesis.”

The win also brings Roberto Martinez his first honour as an international manager. After close calls with Belgium’s so-called ‘golden generation,’ the Spaniard now has a Nations League on his record—and possibly, some job security.

Rumours had swirled of the Portuguese FA seeking to go in another direction, with names like Jorge Jesus and José Mourinho mentioned.

But Balague asked flatly: “How can they get rid of Roberto Martinez?” The manager, who took over in January 2023, has Ronaldo averaging more goals per game under his watch than with any previous national boss.

Carney warned: “He will be judged, after this, at the World Cup. It would be terrible if he is replaced.”