Emotional Ronaldo Inspires Portugal’s Nations League Triumph Over Spain in Dramatic Penalty Shootout Final
Portugal Edge Spain in Thrilling Euro 2024 Quarter-Final Penalty Shootout
In a dramatic Euro 2024 quarter-final clash, Portugal defeated Spain 5-3 in a penalty shootout after a pulsating 2-2 draw in regular and extra time.
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring for Portugal in regular time.
Lineups & Key Subs
Portugal (4-3-3): Costa; N. Mendes, Dias, Inácio (Veiga 74’), J. Neves (Semedo 45’); Vitinha, Fernandes, B. Silva (Leão 74’); Conceição (R. Neves 45’), Ronaldo (Ramos 88’), Neto (Jota 105’).
Goals: Mendes (26’), Ronaldo (61’).
Shootout scorers: Ramos, Vitinha, Fernandes, Mendes, R. Neves.
Spain (4-3-3): Simón; Cucurella, Le Normand, Huijsen, Mingueza (Porro 93’); Pedri (Isco 75’), Zubimendi, Ruiz (Merino 75’); Williams (Baena 92’), Yamal (Pino 105’), Oyarzabal (Morata 101’).
Goals: Zubimendi (21’), Oyarzabal (85’).
Shootout scorers: Merino, Baena, Isco. Missed: Morata.
Match Summary
Spain struck first through Martín Zubimendi’s low drive in the 21st minute, but Portugal responded swiftly. Nuno Mendes leveled the score five minutes later, powering in a header from a pinpoint cross. The first half ended 1-1, with both sides making tactical substitutions at the break.
Cristiano Ronaldo, playing in his record 12th European Championship, put Portugal ahead in the 61st minute with a clinical finish, capitalizing on a defensive error. Spain pushed relentlessly and equalized late via Mikel Oyarzabal’s composed strike in the 85th minute.
Key Moments
- 21’: Zubimendi opens the scoring for Spain with a deflected shot.
- 26’: Mendes heads in Portugal’s equalizer.
- 61’: Ronaldo pounces on a loose ball to give Portugal the lead.
- 85’: Oyarzabal silences Portuguese fans with a calm finish.
Oyarzabal’s late goal forced extra time.
Extra time saw tired legs and few clear chances, with João Félix and substitute Álvaro Morata squandering half-opportunities. The match went to penalties, where Spain’s Morata missed the decisive spot-kick, drilling his effort over the bar. Portugal’s Rubin Neves sealed the win with a coolly taken penalty, sending his team to the semi-finals.
Shootout Drama
- Gonçalo Ramos (Portugal) ✅ — Low and left.
- Merino (Spain) ✅ — Blasted down the middle.
- Vitinha (Portugal) ✅ — Top corner.
- Baena (Spain) ✅ — Sent Costa the wrong way.
- Bruno Fernandes (Portugal) ✅ — Ruthless precision.
- Isco (Spain) ✅ — Delicate chip.
- Nuno Mendes (Portugal) ✅ — Power and placement.
- Morata (Spain) ❌ — Skied over the bar.
- Rubin Neves (Portugal) ✅ — Clinches victory.
Key Stats
- Possession: Spain 58% – 42% Portugal
- Shots: Portugal 14 (6 on target), Spain 18 (7 on target)
- Bookings: Portugal 3 (Inácio, Mendes, Neto); Spain 4 (Ruiz, Le Normand, Baena, Porro)
Portugal advance to face France in the semi-finals, while Spain exit after a valiant effort. Ronaldo, aged 40, continues to defy time, scoring his 16th Euros goal.
Rubin Neves celebrates his match-winning penalty.
