Portugal and Spain faced off at the Allianz Arena in the UEFA Nations League final, a matchup that lived up to its billing as one of the most anticipated games of the season. In a high-stakes contest, Cristiano Ronaldo once again made history by scoring the equalizer for his country.
The match opened with both teams organized and cautious, leaving little room for clear scoring opportunities. In the 21st minute, Martin Zubimendi capitalized on a loose ball in the box to put Spain ahead, but Portugal responded quickly. Just five minutes later, Nuno Mendes struck a powerful finish to bring things level at 1–1.
Spain regained the lead just before halftime, when Mikel Oyarzabal made a well-timed run and finished calmly after a pinpoint pass from Pedri. After regrouping during the break, Portugal returned to the pitch with renewed energy—and Ronaldo made sure to leave his mark.
In the 61st minute, Nuno Mendes surged down the left flank and whipped in a cross that deflected in the air off Robin Le Normand. Positioned in the box, Ronaldo rose above Marc Cucurella and powered home a header to bring Portugal level at 2–2, adding yet another goal in a final to his legendary career.
The goal extended Ronaldo’s tally to eight goals in nine matches in the current Nations League campaign, placing him just behind Sweden’s Viktor Gyokeres, who leads the scoring charts with nine. He also extended his all-time record with the Portugal national team to 138 goals in 219 appearances.
see also
Cristiano Ronaldo forced to exit due to injury in Portugal in UEFA Nations League final against Spain
Ronaldo ends long wait for goal in international finals
Cristiano Ronaldo has long been synonymous with goals and silverware at both the club and international levels. But his equalizer against Spain carried added weight—not just because of its timing, but because it broke new ground in his career.
Remarkably, the goal marked Ronaldo’s first-ever strike in an international final. Though he played in two previous title matches with Portugal—the UEFA EURO 2016 Final and the 2019 Nations League Final—he hadn’t found the net in either. Now, at 40, the Portuguese icon finally has a goal in a major international final to his name.
