Cristiano Ronaldo fails to hold back tears as Portugal become first country to win Nations League twice ...Middle East

Cristiano Ronaldo failed to contain his emotions after helping Portugal to their third international tournament triumph.

Portugal beat Spain in a dramatic Nations League final on penalties with the scores level at 2-2 after 120 minutes at the Allianz Arena on Sunday night.

Spain twice led in normal time, with Martin Zubimendi breaking the deadlock in the 21st minute.

Mikel Oyarzabal then put the Euro 2024 winners ahead on the stroke of half-time after Nuno Mendes equalised in the 26th minute.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who swapped shirts with Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams at half-time, then came to Portugal’s rescue once again.

Bringing up his 138th international goal in the 61st minute, Ronaldo volleyed Portugal level with a first-time effort into the far corner.

But he couldn’t see out the match as he was replaced by Goncalo Ramos after picking up an injury in the closing stages of the second half.

Both teams pressed for a winner in extra-time, but neither side could make the breakthrough, leading to the second consecutive Nations League final to be decided by a shootout.

Spain emerged victorious on penalties against Croatia in 2023, but their luck was out this time around.

Portugal ended up as 5-3 victors, with ex-Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata being the only player to miss from 12 yards, with his shot saved by Diogo Costa.

And up stepped former Wolves skipper Ruben Neves, who rifled his attempt into the bottom left corner to spark jubilant scenes.

Ronaldo – watching on from the sidelines – dropped to his knees where he was instantly reduced to tears.

The 40-year-old is now the only Portugal player to have won the Nations League twice, as well as the European Championship, which he lifted in 2016.

While Portugal are the first country to win the Nations League on two occasions, Spain are the first to be losing finalists twice.

Spain were defeated by France in 2019 following Kylian Mbappe’s controversial winner.

More to follow…

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