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Spain vs Portugal live: Result and reaction as Ruben Neves scores decisive penalty Nations League final
Portugal 2-2 Spain (5-3 on penalties): Roberto Martinez’s men are the first team to win the Nations League twice
Portugal win the Nations League for the second time after a blistering penalty shootout with Spain.
Luis de le Fuente’s side were the favourites ahead of kick off and the first half proved why as the Spaniards swept into an early lead with pace and precision passing. Martin Zubimendi arrived in the box at the right time and turned in a deflection to put La Roja ahead.
Portugal responded four minutes late through a driving run from left-back Nuno Mendes. He cut inside from the left and guided a fine effort into the far bottom corner.
Just before half-time Mikel Oyarzabal restored Spain’s lead and it looked as though they would cruise to victory. Roberto Martinez’s half-time changes helped swing the momentum and Cristiano Ronaldo turned in an equaliser to force the game to penalties.
Portugal were perfect, scoring all five of theirs, with Alvaro Morata having his effort denied by Diogo Costa. That was the defining moment but Ruben Neves still had to score the last spot kick to secure the trophy and he did.
Relive the action from the Allianz Arena with our live blog below. Watch every Club World Cup game live on DAZN.
Portugal win Nations League with penalty shootout victory over Spain
Diogo Costa was the shootout hero as Portugal won the Nations League by defeating defending champions Spain 5-3 on penalties after twice coming from behind to draw 2-2 in Munich.
Porto goalkeeper Costa denied Alvaro Morata from the spot before Ruben Neves slammed home the next kick to seal glory for Roberto Martinez's men.
Talk of the first meeting between 40-year-old Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo and 17-year-old Spain winger Lamine Yamal dominated the build-up to the Allianz Arena showdown.
Portugal win Nations League with penalty shootout victory over Spain
Nations League presentation
The Spanish side step up onto the stage and receive their runners-up medals.
Portugal manager, Roberto Martinez, then leads up his team with Cristiano Ronaldo arriving last on the stage.
It is another moment in his remarkable career, another medal and another trophy.
Ronaldo is handed the silverware, he comes over to his team and hoists it high.
The confetti is thrown and the celebrations begin.
Mendes named Player of the Match
Portugal goalscorer Nuno Mendes was named Player of the Match by the Uefa Technical Observer Group.
They said: "He was incredible, both in attack and defensively during the tournament.
“He scored, also providing an assist on top of this."
More goals for Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo is now the joint-second top scorer in Nations League history with 15 goals, equal with Aleksandar Mitrović and behind only Erling Haaland (19).
Portugal beat Spain on penalties to win Nations League
Portugal win the Nations League
There is a bit of behind the scenes debate about Portugal’s manager Roberto Martinez.
The new president of the Portuguese federation wants a change but this Nations League victory is a big plus for Martinez.
He has a great win percentage as Portugal boss and now has a trophy to boot.
'Ronaldo played his part'
Andros Townsend spoke on ITV saying: “Cristiano Ronaldo played his part tonight.
“He more than played his part in the semi-final. He has proven he can still make a difference at the highest level.”
Penalties: Portugal 5-3 Spain
Ruben Neves has a chance to win the Nations League...
... he does!
He rolls the ball to the goalkeeper’s left, Unai Simon dives the wrong way.
Portugal have done it. They’ve won the Nations League!
Penalties: Portugal 4-3 Spain
Here comes Alvaro Morata.
He only came on late in the game. He shoots to Diogo Costa’s right.
The Portuguese leaps the correct way and keeps it out!
Big moment, huge save!
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