Portugal Vs Spain UEFA Nations League Final: Ronaldo Humbles Lamine Yamal, Lifts The Nations League Trophy

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Portugal Vs Spain UEFA Nations League Final, Ronaldo Humbles Lamine Yamal: The Goat has churned out yet another trophy and this time for his beloved nation, Portugal. The National Hero has delivered again for his team. The Goat of Football is going strong at 40. Although he has become a fraction of his capabilities, he is still making and breaking records.

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Portugal has lifted their second Nations League Trophy after lifting it for the first time in 2019.

Portugal has lifted their second Nations League Trophy after lifting it for the first time in 2019. They won the final against the Euros 2024 winner, Spain and it was not at all easy for Portugal as the match went into extra time and then into penalties, but they emerged victorious after a epic final battle between the two teams. 

The first half started with chaotic play sequences as there were mistakes all over the field, and the players also looked overworked. But after the 10 minute mark, Spain started to weave passes in the midfield, with the maestro Pedri stepping up. 

Fabian Ruiz, Pedri and Zubimendi were immense in the midfield and it looked like a mis-match for Portugal.

It became difficult for Portugal to get hold of the ball as they were being intensively pressed by Spain and got the ball back as soon  as possible. Fabian Ruiz, Pedri and Zubimendi were immense in the midfield and it looked like a mis-match for Portugal. 3rd man runs from the Spain midfield brought the difference, as Zubimendi produced an excellent 3rd man run which had the Portugal defence and midfield in splits.

Zubimendi scraped through the midfield and laid the ball to Lamine Yamal, who produced a first time through ball into the penalty box and thanks to Joao Neves, who took an accidental touch and the ball fell into Zubimendi’s path who had continued his run.

Spain had gained the lead on Portugal through Zubimendi in the 21st minute.

Just like that, Spain had gained the lead on Portugal through Zubimendi in the 21st minute. This goal woke up Portugal as they gained momentum after the opening Spain dominance. Nuno Mendes, produced a banger out of nowhere. Pedro Neto was successful in opening up the left flank which allowed mendes to attack from inside the lines, this bit of play between them brought Portugal back into the tie. 

In the 26th minute, Nuno Mendes received the ball from just outside the box, and after dropping his shoulder acquired a sudden acceleration leaving behind the defenders and releasing a powerful low shot on the far corner who could be admired by Unai Simon.

After making the score 1-1, Spain came back again into the match with their intense pressure and accurate passing. Pedri was running the game at his own pace but Spain was not allowed entry into dangerous spaces as the Portugal defence was resolute. 

Pedri found Mikel Oyarzabal on the run and released an inch perfect pass which was hit by Oyarzabal on the turn

Just before the half-time mark, Pedri found Mikel oyarzabal on the run and released an inch perfect pass which was hit by Oyarzabal on the turn which left the keeper in no man’s land. Spain had regained their lead, and again Portugal had to dig deep to bring the score back to parity. 

The second half saw the game change as Roberto Martinez introduced some changes in the game, Nelson Semedo was brought on the right-back position for Joao Neves. Ruben Neves waas also brought on for Conceicao to bring stability into the midfield and allow Portugal to compete in the midfield. As a result naturally Portugal started getting their passes right and due to the numerical superiority in the midfield, Spain started to sit and relax and Portugal was playing harmless football in and around the penalty area. 

Nuno Mendes did not only dominate Lamine Yamal but was immense in attacking plays as well

Spain looked tired as the midfield settled and the full-backs were successful in keeping the flamboyant Spain wingers quiet. Nuno mendes did not only dominate Lamine Yamal but was immense in attacking plays as well whenever he saw space, he rushed into the penalty area. 

This play was rewarded as Nuno produced a scintillating cross into the box, which got deflected on its way but fell on the shoes of one man and only man only, Cristiano Ronaldo. He shoved Cucurella aside and brought the game back into parity in the 61st minute. 

The likes of Rafael Leao and Renato Veiga were brought on by Martinez

After this play, it looked like Portugal will bring the Nations league back home but still Spain was resolute in defence and did not let any more goals in. The likes of Rafael Leao and Renato Veiga were brought on by Martinez but they also failed to disturb the scorers. Ronaldo was also subbed off in the 88th minute. 

Ronaldo was also subbed off in the 88th minute. 

The game proceeded to Extra-time after that, as De La Fuente had brought Fabian Ruiz and pedri off the field, naturally Portugal gained technical superiority in the midfield, which reflected as Spain were sitting and waiting for counter-attacks. Portugal were running the game but were not able to produce any dangerous plays.

Penalties looked imminent and indeed the Goalkeepers had the chance to become National heroes. Portugal scored every penalty but Alvaro Morata, the captain of Spain missed the penultimate penalty which saw Portugal win the Nations league finals through penalties. 

The 40 year old Goat has triumphed over the 17 year old Football prodigy.

The 40 year old Goat has triumphed over the 17 year old Football prodigy. He has now won 2 Nations league trophies and a Euro 2016 in his national career for Portugal. One of the greatest to ever grace the game, is still going strong at 40 years of age. 

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