If you've been scrolling through social media trying to figure out who won Portugal or Spain in their latest high-stakes meeting, you’re likely looking for the results of the 2025 UEFA Nations League Final. Honestly, if you missed it live, you missed one of the most stressful, back-and-forth games in recent memory. It wasn’t just a game; it was a 120-minute tug-of-war that ended with a trophy lift at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
Portugal won. But that "win" came by the narrowest of margins on June 8, 2025.
The score was locked at 2-2 after extra time, forcing the match into a penalty shootout. Portugal remained perfect from the spot, winning 5-3 on penalties to secure their second-ever Nations League title.
The Match That Wouldn't End
Spain started like they were shot out of a cannon. Martin Zubimendi found the back of the net in the 21st minute, tapping in a ball that the Portuguese defense just couldn't clear after some magic from Lamine Yamal. For a second, it looked like Spain might run away with it.
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Nuno Mendes had other ideas. Just five minutes later, he surged from the left and drilled a low shot to level things up.
Right before the halftime whistle, Mikel Oyarzabal—who seems to have a habit of scoring in big finals—put Spain back in front. 1-2. Portugal looked rattled. But you can never count out a team that has Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch, even at 40 years old. In the 61st minute, Ronaldo pounced on a deflected cross from Mendes to equalize. It was his 138th international goal. He’s basically a machine at this point.
The Penalty Heartbreak
Extra time was a blur of tired legs and tactical fouling. Neither side could find the killer blow. When the referee blew the final whistle, it all came down to the "lottery" of penalties.
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Portugal was clinical. Gonçalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and Nuno Mendes all converted. On the Spanish side, Mikel Merino, Alex Baena, and Isco scored, but then came the moment that changed everything. Álvaro Morata stepped up for Spain's fourth penalty. Diogo Costa, who has become a bit of a penalty-saving specialist, guessed right and smothered the shot.
Rúben Neves stepped up for the fifth. One kick for the trophy. He didn't blink, buried it in the bottom left corner, and the celebrations started.
Why This Win Matters
This wasn't just another trophy for the cabinet. By winning this match, Portugal became the first nation to win the Nations League twice, having previously won the inaugural tournament in 2019. It also solidified their status as a massive threat heading into the 2026 World Cup.
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Spain, the defending champions going into this match, were left wondering "what if." They dominated possession (nearly 58%) but couldn't turn that control into a winning goal during regular time.
Quick Stats: Portugal vs Spain 2025 Final
- Result: Portugal 2-2 Spain (Portugal won 5-3 on penalties)
- Goals (Portugal): Nuno Mendes (26'), Cristiano Ronaldo (61')
- Goals (Spain): Martin Zubimendi (21'), Mikel Oyarzabal (45')
- Man of the Match: Nuno Mendes
- Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich
- Attendance: 65,852
If you are looking for the women's side of this rivalry, the story is quite different. In the 2025 UEFA Women's Nations League, Spain was far more dominant, including a 7-1 thrashing of Portugal in April 2025 and a 5-0 win during the Women's Euro 2025 group stages.
So, depending on which "Portugal or Spain" match you’re tracking, the answer changes. In the men’s major final, it was Portugal’s night. In the women’s continental matchups, Spain has been the undisputed powerhouse.
What to Watch Next
Now that the Nations League is settled, keep an eye on the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Both teams are experimenting with youth—watch for Lamine Yamal to take even more responsibility for Spain, while Portugal is slowly figuring out how to balance their veteran stars with the next generation like Rodrigo Mora. If you're a betting person or just a fan, watching how these two manage their defensive transitions will tell you everything you need to know about their chances in the next big tournament.
Check the official UEFA highlights for the penalty shootout—Diogo Costa's save on Morata is worth a re-watch just for the technique.