Cristiano Ronaldo says he came into the Nations League final with an injury, but battled through the pain to score as Portugal went on to beat Spain on penalties.
The 40-year-old started the match at the Allianz Arena and scored Portugal’s second equaliser on 61 minutes after Spain had twice taken the lead.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United superstar did not quite make it to 90 minutes, going down injured just before the end of normal time, replaced by Goncalo Ramos.
He could only watch on during a goalless extra-time before his country won thanks to scoring five penalties in the shootout, while Alvaro Morata missed his spot-kick for Spain.
It was not clear exactly what the injury was that Ronaldo was struggling with, but he revealed that he did not suffer it late in the game, but before kick-off.
‘I had already felt it during the warm-up, I had been feeling it for some time,’ Ronaldo said, via Record. ‘But for the national team, if I had to break a leg, I would.
‘It’s a title, I had to play and I gave my all, I went as far as I could. I helped with a goal.’
He added of his second Nations League win with Portugal: ‘I’m so happy. Winning for Portugal is very special. I have many titles, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal.
‘The tears and the sense of duty fulfilled. It’s beautiful. It’s our nation. We are a small people, but with great ambition.
‘I’ve lived in many countries, I’ve played for many clubs, but when they talk about Portugal it’s a special feeling. Being the captain of this generation, it’s a source of pride.
‘Winning a title is always the highlight of a national team. The future is about thinking in the short term. I had an injury and that was too much, too much… I pushed, because for the national team you have to push.’
The entertaining contest at the Allianz Arena saw three goals before the half-time break.
Martin Zubimendi put Spain ahead on 21 minutes before Nuno Mendes quickly equalised just five minutes later.
Mikel Oyarzabal put the Spaniards back ahead just before the interval as he expertly completed a lovely move, but the lead again did not last long as Ronaldo prodded home just after the hour-mark.
Portugal looked the more likely side to grab a winner later on and during extra-time, but could not find one before the final whistle.
The match went to a penalty shootout where there was a string of brilliantly taken spot-kicks until Alvaro Morata saw his tame effort saved by Diogo Costa.
Ruben Neves made no such mistake and found the back of the net to see Portugal claim victory 5-3 on penalties.
It is the second time Portugal have won the Nations League in only the fourth edition of the event.
Ronaldo started the 1-0 win over Netherlands as his country won the tournament in 2019 and has got his hands on the trophy again six years later.
Spain have reached the final for the third straight edition of the Nations League, losing to France in 2021, beating Croatia in ’23 and narrowly losing out this time round.