Tearful Cristiano Ronaldo lands yet another trophy as Portugal beat rivals Spain on penalties to win the Nations League after veteran superstar equalised in thrilling final
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Cristiano Ronaldo was reduced to tears as he won his first piece of silverware with Portugal for six years after a thrilling penalty shootout win over Spain in the Nations League final.
The 40-year-old superstar had endured a rollercoaster evening that saw him score a crucial equaliser before he was forced off in the closing stages of normal time due to injury.
He could then hardly watch the ensuing shootout, but after his side came out on top Ronaldo could not hold back tears of joy as he hugged his jubilant team-mates.
The final had ended 2-2 after 90 minutes and — following a goalless half hour of extra time — went all the way to a penalty shootout.
Portugal, who were the first ever Nations League champions when they beat the Netherlands in the 2019 final, won the shootout 5-3, with Ronaldo watching on from the sidelines.
Eight of the nine spot-kicks taken were converted successfully — including one from Bruno Fernandes — but Alvaro Morata saw his effort saved by Portugal keeper Diogo Costa.
Spain twice led in the first half courtesy of goals from Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Oyarzabal coming either side of a fine equaliser by Nuno Mendes.
Portugal had spent much of the first half chasing the ball as Spain dominated possession at the Allianz Arena.
But the champions of 2019 hit back again just after the hour mark when 40-year-old Ronaldo volleyed home the 138th goal of his senior international career.
Ronaldo's goal was set up by a brilliant run and cross from Mendes, who raced past Lamine Yamal in the process.
Portugal's legendary skipper was subbed off due to an injury issue in the 88th minute, meaning he was forced to watch extra time from the dugout.
Spain then also withdrew their biggest star at half-time in extra time when Yamal made his exit, having struggled in his one-on-one battle against Mendes.
Portugal had started the game firmly on the back foot, but they shaded the second half and also looked the more likely of the two sides to find a winner in extra time.
Nelson Semedo missed a golden chance to make it 3-2 before Mendes saw a strong penalty appeal turned down.
The last attack of the night then ended with Diogo Jota heading over the bar from close range.
Jota, perhaps surprisingly, did not take a penalty in the shootout.
But team-mates Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha, Fernandes, Mendes and Ruben Neves all found the net to deliver Portugal's third major international title in under a decade.
