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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was essential for Portugal as they beat neighbours Spain in a penalty shootout to settle an intense closing in Munich and win their second Nations League trophy.
Spain took the lead within the twenty first minute by Actual Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi. Striker Mikel Oyarzabal flicked the ball into the center, inviting Zubimendi to drive ahead earlier than he handed it on to Lamine Yamal. {The teenager} lifted a intelligent ball excessive, catching Portugal’s defence off guard. Failing to clear their strains, Zubimendi pounced and calmly slotted the ball into an empty web.
Nonetheless, Spain’s lead didn’t final too lengthy as Portugal restored parity simply 5 minutes later. Nuno Mendes weaved his well beyond the Spanish defence and slammed a shot into the far backside nook.
Spain went forward for a second time as Mikel Oyarzabal received previous two defenders and fired previous Diogo Costa.
But it surely wasn’t over but and as soon as once more, the person of the second, Cristiano Ronaldo, rose to the event when his workforce wanted him most. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner demonstrated some intelligent motion to get the beating of Marc Cucurella and produce the completion, making it 2-2.
The 2 sides couldn’t be separated in regulation time, and even after further time, the impasse endured, leaving the result to be determined by a penalty shootout. Costa denied Alvaro Morata from the spot-kick to safe the victory for the Selecao.
Fernandes featured for the whole recreation. Whereas the United skipper had a quiet first half, he grew into the sport after the break as Portugal started to say larger management. He thought he had received on the rating sheet however his aim was dominated out due to a Pedro Neto offside within the build-up.
Fernandes confidently transformed his penalty within the shootout. Notably, after Ronaldo was compelled off with an harm, it was Fernandes who took the armband and captained Portugal by the rest of the match.
The 30-year-old playmaker discovered his teammates with 26 of the 30 passes he tried (87% cross accuracy). He efficiently linked with one of many 4 crosses he aimed.
He received three of the 9 floor duels he launched into. Fernandes made two clearances and as many tackles.
The United man intercepted the ball as soon as.
(Stats obtained from Sofascore)
Fernandes delivered along with his trademark brilliance, and it’s becoming to see him finish the season with silverware, particularly after enduring a turbulent marketing campaign with United.
Champs. pic.twitter.com/Ng4v6jR5Ly
— B/R Soccer (@brfootball) June 8, 2025
Diogo Dalot was on the bench for the win over Spain.
Featured picture Lars Baron by way of Getty Pictures
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