Portugal Win Nations League Final – Ronaldo’s Tears, Mendes Shines, Morata Misses, Spain Fall Short

The 2024/25 UEFA Nations League final between Portugal and Spain delivered pure drama, emotion, and a thrilling footballing spectacle. After a 2-2 draw in regular time, it was Roberto Martínez’s Portugal who claimed the trophy via a 5–3 penalty shootout, with Álvaro Morata’s missed effort proving decisive. This triumph marks Portugal’s second Nations League title, cementing their place among Europe’s elite. And as always, the reactions — from players to press — speak volumes.

Morata’s Reflection: Regret Without Tears

Spain’s captain Álvaro Morata stood tall in defeat. Though his missed penalty cost his team the trophy, his post-match words resonated with maturity:

“I’m grateful to the coach. I didn’t take the penalty well — I could
have done better. But it’s done. All that’s left is regret and going
home. I didn’t cry, although I wanted to. Life is about growth. We
recently had victories. One thing we humans are good at is learning.”

Nuno Mendes: The Silent Star Who Roared

The undisputed man of the match was Nuno Mendes. The PSG left-back delivered a stunning performance — scoring, assisting, defending relentlessly, and converting his penalty with confidence.

Nuno Mendes:

“It’s all about consistency. I’ve played many strong games, but the
difference is the individual work I put in every day — at the club and
with the national team. I stayed injury-free this season, which is
huge. As for Yamal — it was one of many battles throughout the season.
I managed to stop him, and I’m proud I helped the team lift the
trophy.”

Ronaldo’s Grit and Glory

At 40, Cristiano Ronaldo once again proved that greatness knows no age. He equalized in the second half but had to leave the field late in the match due to injury — watching the final moments from the bench, just like during Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph.

“I’m so happy — mostly for this generation. They deserved this,”
Ronaldo said emotionally. “Winning with Portugal is different. I’ve
won many titles, but nothing compares to lifting a trophy for your
country. Tears, pride… it’s beautiful. We’re a small nation with huge
ambition. Being captain of this team is the greatest honor of my
career.”

Ronaldo also detailed the injury scare:

“I felt it during warm-up, and it didn’t go away. But I was ready to
break my leg for Portugal. There was a trophy at stake. I gave
everything. Scored. Helped. That’s what matters.”

Coaches’ Verdicts: Respect in Defeat, Pride in Victory

Spain’s manager Luis de la Fuente praised both teams:

“Portugal’s players told us we were the best team they’ve faced. That
means a lot. But this is football — no such thing as justice or
injustice. You win by scoring. And today Portugal proved they’re a
great football team.”

Roberto Martínez, who won his first international trophy as a coach — and did so against his home country — was elated:

“I’m proud. Finals are about winning. After Spain’s goals, we
responded with incredible character. The key is the team, the unity.
And of course, Cristiano — his experience and leadership helped carry
us through.”

Media Reactions: From Portuguese Glory to Spanish Grit

In Portugal, A Bola hailed Nuno Mendes as the breakout hero:

“They talk about Dembélé, Yamal, Mbappé… but now it’s time to talk
about Mendes. He pocketed Yamal, then tucked in the ball, the game,
and the whole stadium. His first goal in 37 matches — stunning. And
what about that assist to Ronaldo?”

Miguel Simões (Desporto Ao Minuto) predicted a new era:

“From Euro 2016 to this – Portugal isn’t stopping. They can’t. This is
the rise of a footballing dynasty.”

Victor Pinto (Record.pt) echoed the sentiment:

“Portugal’s response to Euro 2024 heartbreak was emphatic. This team
has no ceiling. They’re built for trophies, and Martínez is steering
the ship perfectly.”

Beyond Ronaldo and Yamal: Football Is a Team Game

Mark Ogden (ESPN) noted how the two headline stars — Ronaldo and Yamal — weren’t the only story:

“They were in the spotlight pre-match, but both ended up secondary.
These teams are about more than just star power. Yamal will sleep just
fine. He’s 17. His time will come — and probably with a trophy cabinet
as full as Ronaldo’s. But this was Portugal’s night.”

Still, Jordi Gil (Sport.es) praised Yamal’s maturity:

“He showed what a team player he is. Defended like never before, while
also driving forward. Tremendous discipline.”

Javier Alfaro (Mundo Deportivo) backed Morata:

“The penalty wasn’t bad. It wasn’t lucky — but it wasn’t cowardly.
Only those who dare to take one can miss. And Morata dared.”

Ronaldo’s Legacy: More Than Just Numbers

The win marked Cristiano Ronaldo’s 33rd career trophy and his third with Portugal.

Fernando Gabarro (Mundo Deportivo) wrote:

“Time slows for no one — not even Cristiano. He’s lost pace, perhaps,
but his hunger? Untouched. After the final whistle, he wept like a boy
winning his first medal. He lives football. He always will.”

The Guardian focused on his emotion during the shootout:

“Ronaldo covered his face and leaned on teammates as penalties began.
He didn’t watch. He listened. And when Neves scored the winner, he
dropped to his knees, eyes wet.”

Finally, Héctor Martínez (AS) captured the moment:

“The treble Spain wanted (two Nations Leagues and a Euro) didn’t
happen. Portugal became the first to win two Nations Leagues. And
Cristiano? He jumpstarted the comeback. Whether in Madrid, Turin,
Saudi Arabia, or Funchal — his diet is goals. Ronaldo is insatiable.”

Published by Patrick Jane
09.06.2025