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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 2-2 Spain, 88 minutes
Cristiano Ronaldo has an issue. A twinge or something in his leg.
He hobbles off the pitch with a shake of the head.
Goncalo Ramos replaces him. There’s a big hug for manager Roberto Martinez as well.
Ronaldo will have to watch from the sidelines to see how this match plays out.
Portugal 2-2 Spain, 85 minutes
Spain’s fluidity in midfield has gone. It’s been a lot more stop-start since the changes from both managers.
Mikel Oyarzabal collects a pass over the top and lobs the goalkeeper. Renato Veiga hooks it off the line but the offside flag is up anyway.
Portugal 2-2 Spain, 82 minutes
The corner ball is whipped into the middle of the penalty area after some argy bargy.
Cucurella is there to win the initial header and the ball is turned to the edge of the box.
Lamine Yamal attempts to counter attack but is held back by Pedro Neto who earns himself a yellow card.
Portugal 2-2 Spain, 79 minutes
The substitutions suggest that Spain want to get this match won before extra-time.
Portugal too have brought on an attacking threat in Rafael Leao.
He receives a cross field pass on the left wing which he flicks into the far side of the box.
Nelson Semedo is there but Marc Cucurella gets to it first and turns the ball behind for a corner.
Portugal 2-2 Spain, 76 minutes
Changes!
Pedri and Fabian Ruiz are hooked off by the Spain coach Luis de la Fuente. In their place come Mikel Merino and Isco.
For Portugal, Rafael Leao and Renato Veiga have come on to take the places of Goncalo Inacio and Bernardo Silva.
Portugal 2-2 Spain, 73 minutes
Bernardo Silva and Nelson Semedo combine on the right side for Portugal with the pair driving the ball forward.
Semedo has it in the box and shoots but Unai Simon keeps it out at the nearest post once again.
Portugal 2-2 Spain, 70 minutes
Nico Williams is having a game. Nelson Semedo sticks with him as he cuts inside but the winger still manages to get off a curling shot.
It’s a decent one but the effort is whipped wide of the far post.
Williams smiles ruefully. He could have done better with that and his smile suggests maybe next time is the one.
Portugal 2-2 Spain, 67 minutes
Chance! Bruno Fernandes sweeps in from the right wing now and decides to take a shot.
He troubles Unai Simon but the goalkeeper has a tight grip on the ball at the near post.
Spain need to weather a bit of a storm at the minute.
Portugal 2-2 Spain, 64 minutes
Spain were in control but Ronaldo’s poacher instincts kicked in again inside the six-yard box and the match is alive once more.
Bruno Fernandes floats a free kick into the Spanish box and Ruben Dias complains about a tug on his shirt.
The referee waves him away after Spain clear their lines.
GOAL! PORTUGAL 2-2 Spain (Cristiano Ronaldo, 61 minutes)
Equaliser!
Nuno Mendes sweeps forward on the left wing and dances around Lamine Yamal to get some space.
His cross into the box takes a deflection and loops over to the far post.
Cristiano Ronaldo leans on Marc Cucurella and shields him from the ball before flicking a volley past Unai Simon.
All square.
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