Munich: Madrid and Lisbon brace for a thrilling clash as Spain and Portugal prepare to face off in the Nations League final on Sunday. The highly anticipated match will mark the first time Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal faces Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
Spain reached the final on Thursday after a dramatic 5-4 victory over France in Stuttgart. Just 17 years old, Yamal scored twice and was named man of the match, leading his team to a commanding 5-1 lead before a late French comeback narrowed the gap.
Spain’s road to success continues to be driven by its dynamic wingers. Yamal and Nico Williams, key players in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, shone again. Williams contributed with a goal and an assist following his standout performance in last year’s Euro 2024 final win over England.
The final in Germany will see Spain’s 2021 Nations League winners take on 2019 champions Portugal. Yamal was excited: “It’s a special game; a final against a great team motivates us. I want to play this game to prove who I am.”
Facing Cristiano Ronaldo, who is 23 years his senior, will be a career-defining moment for Yamal. “He’s a football legend. I, like all the players, have huge respect for Cristiano. I will do my job to try to win, and that’s it,” Yamal added.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised both sides: “Fans will see two super powerful teams. This could be a World Cup final. We’re playing against one of the greats—Cristiano Ronaldo. I have limitless admiration for him. It’s inspiring to see him play at this level at his age.”
Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino, another scorer in the semifinal, expressed his optimism: “It’s not our first final. Munich brings us amazing memories from the European Championship. I’m very happy to be in another final—hopefully, we can win it again.”
Sunday’s match promises a gripping contest between Europe’s football giants. Rising star Lamine Yamal will face off against the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo in a battle for Nations League glory.
