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Ronaldo's Portugal clinch second UNL title

Portugal have been crowned UEFA Nations League champions after defeating Spain on penalties.

The Spanish made one change from the win over France as Fabian Ruiz returned in midfield, with Mikel Merino dropping to the bench despite scoring in the semi-final.

It was a lively start to the encounter from both sides, although Spain had the first opening in the 15th minute when Pedri pulled his effort wide of the mark after being picked out by Nico Williams.

La Roja broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute when a scramble in the box ended with Martín Zubimendi firing into an empty net.

Portugal were not behind for too long after Nuno Mendes took matters into his own hands by surging into the box and firing a powerful low strike into the bottom corner, with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) approving the goal.

However, Spain restored their lead just before the halftime break when Mikel Oyarzabal latched onto a through-ball from Pedri and showed the composure to slot past Diogo Costa.

Portugal were back on level terms just after the hour mark as Ronaldo made it two goals from two games by turning home a cross from Mendes, who skipped clear down the left flank.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente opted to re-shuffle the pack for the final 15 minutes of the second half as Ruiz and Pedri made way for Merino and Isco, who was making his first international appearance since 2019.

Portugal, however, were forced to make a change before the extra-time period as captain Ronaldo picked up an injury and had to be replaced by Paris Saint-Germain striker Goncalo Ramos.

Martinez's side would not miss Ronaldo entirely as extra-time was unable to provide a goal from either side, with Portugal going on to win in a penalty shoot-out after converting all five spot-kicks to win 5-4.

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