Portugal defeated defending champion Spain 5-3 on penalties after an exciting 2-2 draw in Sunday’s final, Cristiano Ronaldo broke down in tears.
Portugal equalized twice in regular time after falling behind.
Mikel Oyarzabal restored Spain’s lead shortly before halftime after putting the ball over Portugal’s goalie Diogo Costa in the 44th minute. At that point, the score was 2-1. Portugal remained hopeful about the game despite Spain’s dominance.
Martin Zubimendi gave Spain the lead after 21 minutes after taking advantage of some shoddy Portuguese defense. But five minutes later, the outstanding Nuno Mendes equalized.
Mikel Oyarzabal of Spain, who had scored in the 2023 Nations League final and the Euro 2024 final, gave La Roja the lead again shortly before halftime. A Mendes cross was deflected into the air, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who had been somewhat quiet up until that point, quickly adjusted to equalize 61 minutes in, squeezing past Marc Cucurella and volleying the ball home.
Because of cramping, Ronaldo was substituted before full time. Portugal had the upper hand in extra time, but penalties decided the outcome.
After Ronaldo was injured late in the game, neither team was able to win in extra time. The match ended in a shootout, with Portugal winning the trophy after scoring all five of their penalties.
