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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 1-2 Spain, 60 minutes
Half an hour still to play here in Munich and Spain are in control.
Portugal need to find another level from somewhere and that might be off the bench.
Portugal 1-2 Spain, 57 minutes
Robin Le Normand pushes into midfield and slides into a tackle on Ronaldo dispossessing the forward.
Spain turn the ball over and work it across to Fabian Ruiz on the inside left channel.
He shoots from outside the box and forces a low save out of Diogo Costa.
Portugal 1-2 Spain, 54 minutes
Portugal are seeing a bit more of the ball now especially inside Spain’s final third.
It comes to the feet of Ruben Neves who strikes a shot from distance.
It’s blocked and Cristiano Ronaldo shouts for a handball but his appeals are turned down.
Portugal 1-2 Spain, 51 minutes
Spain are so good. Portugal’s press has been decent but the Spanish are incredibly accurate and have beat it so many times.
That’s making the Portuguese midfield track back quickly and do a lot of running.
Portugal come down the right wing and lift a cross into the box. Dean Huijsen rises and nods the ball away.
Portugal 1-2 Spain, 48 minutes
Spain have dominated possession since the restart.
They’re trying to get down the left wing with Marc Cucurella and Nico Williams pushing high.
Goal!
Bruno Fernandes receives the ball on the left side for Portugal and flicks it on to Pedro Neto.
The one-two gets Fernandes in behind the defence and he slots the ball past Unai Simon.
Portugal think they have their equaliser but the offside flag goes up against Neto and it’s the correct decision.
Second half! Portugal 1-2 Spain
Spain get the ball rolling once more. Portugal have come from behind once in this match, can they do it again?
HT: Portugal 1-2 Spain
Nelson Semedo is brought on by Roberto Martinez with Joao Neves taken off.
Ruben Neves is also on with Francisco Conceicao the man replaced.
Can those changes gets Portugal back into this match?
HT: Portugal 1-2 Spain
Will Spain go on to win the Nations League?
The Euro 2024 winners find themselves ahead at the break but Portugal have shown that they can challenge.
The substitutions may be key in the second half. Let’s see how it all plays out.
HT: Portugal 1-2 Spain
Good fun in Munich, heated and hectic virtually from first whistle to last. Spain are deservedly ahead having had much more control of the contest, but Portugal have threatened often enough to suggest there may well be more goals to come at both ends. We’ll be back in a bit for the second helping.
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