Nuno Mendes was the standout performer as Portugal triumphed over Spain in the UEFA Nations League final, securing victory through a 5‑3 penalty shootout after a 2‑2 draw at the Allianz Arena in Munich. The Portuguese left-back was instrumental throughout the match, earning the Player of the Match award for his all-round display.
He brought Portugal level in the 26th minute with a stunning long-range strike, showcasing not only his attacking prowess but also his confidence to influence the game from the back. Later in the match, Mendes delivered a well-timed assist for Cristiano Ronaldo’s equaliser, underlining his sharp decision-making in the final third.
Defensively, Mendes played a key role in containing Spain’s rising star Lamine Yamal. He was solid in duels, disciplined in positioning, and effectively neutralised the 17-year-old’s influence on the game — a performance widely praised by analysts and fans alike.
In the decisive penalty shootout, Mendes showed composure, converting his spot-kick calmly to contribute to Portugal’s perfect sequence from the spot. This cool-headed moment capped off a sensational night for the 22-year-old, who has also enjoyed a stellar club season with Paris Saint-Germain, winning the Champions League.
Portugal’s victory in Munich made them the first team to win the Nations League title twice, having first lifted the trophy in 2019. Mendes’s individual brilliance was a key factor in this historic achievement, and his performance will be remembered as one of the most complete displays of the tournament.
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