Nations League Final: Portugal vs Spain Preview, Prediction and Where to Watch the Match LIVE

We turn our attention to Sunday’s UEFA Nations League Final at the Allianz Arena with a comprehensive Portugal vs Spain preview and prediction. Who will make history by becoming the first nation to win the Nations League twice?

Portugal vs Spain: Preview

Sunday’s UEFA Nations League Final at the Allianz Arena promises to deliver a thrilling showdown as Portugal face off against Spain.

Portugal Rely on Experience, Resilience, and Ronaldo’s Firepower

Portugal return to the final for the first time since their triumph in the inaugural edition in 2019, when they edged past the Netherlands 1-0 at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto to lift the trophy.

Champions of the inaugural Nations League in 2019, Portugal now have the chance to set the benchmark once more, as they—like Spain—aim to become the first nation to lift the trophy twice.

Roberto Martínez’s side booked their place in the final with a spirited comeback win over Germany. Florian Wirtz — reportedly on Liverpool’s radar this summer — opened the scoring for the hosts in Wednesday’s semi-final. However, Portugal responded in style, with Francisco Conceição curling home a superb equaliser before Cristiano Ronaldo converted Nuno Mendes’ cross to seal a 2-1 victory. The result marked Portugal’s first triumph over Germany since Euro 2000.

Portugal progressed to the knockout stage after navigating a tricky group featuring Croatia, Scotland, and Poland. In the quarter-finals, they showed their resilience, overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit against Denmark. Roberto Martínez’s men produced a stunning comeback, winning 5-2 after extra time in the second leg to seal a 5-3 aggregate victory.

Reaching the final is one thing—but it’s how Portugal got there that makes their run all the more compelling. Confidence will be high as they return to the pitch in Munich, buoyed by a spirited comeback against Germany. Ronaldo delivered the decisive strike, but it was Roberto Martínez’s timely substitutions that turned the tide, offering a strong case that this Portuguese side is equipped both to seize control or recover from early setbacks against the reigning champions.

Sunday’s final adds an intriguing subplot with a potential showdown between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lamine Yamal. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner will come up against a prodigious talent who is 22 years and 168 days his junior — a clash of generations that encapsulates the evolution of European football. Yamal, already touted as a future Ballon d’Or contender, will be aiming to etch his name in history.

There’s also an interesting contrast in squad profiles. Portugal’s starting XI against Germany averaged 27 years and 164 days in age, reflecting their experience.

The clash with Spain is likely to stir fond memories for the 40-year-old Ronaldo, who famously netted a hat-trick against La Roja in a thrilling 2018 World Cup showdown. Another treble on Sunday would see him overtake Viktor Gyökeres as this edition’s top scorer.

Roberto Martínez, Portugal coach: “When you used to play against Spain, you had to control the way they keep the ball, the way they control the games with the ball possession, the way they can drag you out of position. They do that, because it’s in their DNA. It’s how the players are developed in the early years.“

“But now, they added pace and verticality with Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal. So you’re talking about probably one of the best teams in the world in terms of using that speed and using that transition, with the normal aspect of a team that know how to play, how to keep the ball, how to defend with the ball, and that makes them a very complete team.”

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal captain: “We’re all feeling upbeat, confident, playing an amazing team, maybe the best in the world, but we’re confident after what we did in our last tie. I hope we can rise to the occasion and win it. We are at peace and we believe things will work out for us. We hadn’t beaten Germany in many years but pages turn. We know it’s going to be very tough but that is the nature of finals. Spain are very confident, have not lost in 24 [competitive] games but we have our own weapons. We believe it’s going to work out for us.”

Spain Count on Youthful Flair, Attack, and a Legacy to Defend

Spain, on the other hand, have been ever-present at this stage, making their third final appearance—more than any other nation. After a 2-1 defeat to France in Milan in 2021, La Roja bounced back by beating Croatia on penalties in Rotterdam in 2023. A win on Sunday would see either side become the first to claim the Nations League title twice.

Spain’s path to the final was even more action-packed. Luis de la Fuente’s men stormed to a commanding 4-0 lead against France in Stuttgart, thanks to goals from Nico Williams, Mikel Merino, Lamine Yamal (from the spot), and Pedri in a dazzling first-half performance.

Although Kylian Mbappé pulled one back with a penalty, Yamal struck again to restore Spain’s four-goal advantage. Substitute Rayan Cherki then inspired a late French resurgence, scoring and setting up Randal Kolo Muani, with Dani Vivian’s own goal sandwiched in between, reducing the deficit to 5-4. Despite the late drama, Les Bleus fell just short of completing the comeback.

Spain, meanwhile, emerged from a group that included Serbia, Switzerland, and Denmark. In the quarter-finals, they faced a stern test against the Netherlands. After a pair of high-scoring draws — 2-2 in the first leg and 3-3 in the return fixture — La Roja held their nerve in the shootout, advancing 5-4 on penalties.

Spain’s form in the Nations League has been formidable. They are unbeaten in their last 13 matches in the competition (W9 D4), underlining their consistency and strength on this stage.

Reigning champions Spain are eyeing a third straight piece of major silverware, with Luis de la Fuente already overseeing Nations League success in 2023 and a European Championship triumph in 2024. Their blistering start in the semi-final against France—surging to a 4-0 lead—highlighted their attacking firepower, though defensive lapses saw them just edge a 5-4 thriller. Addressing those weaknesses could be key ahead of the final, as midfielder Mikel Merino acknowledged the danger Portugal pose: “They’re another team of incredible quality – just look at the starting XI and the squad.”

Ahead of the semi-final, I referred to this as Spain’s favourite competition—and that belief was only reinforced. Yes, La Roja conceded more goals than they would have liked, which gives Portugal insight into their defensive frailties. But Spain’s attacking prowess remains undeniable. With an explosive front line, depth on the bench, and the drive to defend their title, they look dangerous as ever.

Speak to anyone in the Spanish camp—players or staff—and one mantra rings out, a legacy of Luis Aragonés: “¡Ganar y ganar y ganar!” (“Win, win, and win again!”). It’s that mindset, coupled with their immense talent, that could be the difference in Munich.

Spain’s starting XI versus France had an average age of just 25 years and 34 days, suggesting youth could play a pivotal role in Munich.

Luis de la Fuente, Spain coach: “You don’t always come up against such good teams. Four of the best five teams in Europe are here. It’s a super tough competition, very demanding, a lot of prestige and will be valued as time goes by. Every rival is difficult but Portugal are a powerful national team. They have so much talent, so versatile, fast, there are certain similarities to us in the players and ideas. With our versatility, we will try to surprise them, we will try to use our strengths, and everything we can to try to beat them.”

Mikel Oyarzabal, Spain forward: “I know how these things go. The idea is to be quite tranquil in your mind, to speak to the people that you care for, around you, to enjoy the fact that my family and friends can be with me tomorrow and I hope they enjoy the game. I’ll just try to forget everything that’s going on until the moment comes when the coach names the team and if I’m chosen, then I’ll be ready.”

Portugal vs Spain: Recent Form (most recent first)

Portugal: WWLDWD
Spain: WDDWWW

Portugal vs Spain: Head-to-Head

The most recent meeting between these two teams was a 1-1 draw in Seville during the last Nations League, where Ricardo Horta’s goal for Portugal equalized Álvaro Morata’s opener.

Three months later, Spain secured a 1-0 victory in Braga thanks to an 88th-minute goal from Morata. Before that win for Spain, their previous five encounters across all competitions ended in draws, with Portugal’s last victory over Spain dating back to a 4-0 friendly win in November 2010.

Portugal vs Spain: Team News and Predicted Lineup

Portugal – Team News

Roberto Martinez is expected to shuffle his lineup for Sunday night’s UEFA Nations League final against Spain in Munich.

The Portugal boss will likely reflect on his semi-final selections, where it was a trio of second-half changes that helped turn the tide against Germany.

Francisco Conceicao’s stunning equaliser played a pivotal role in that comeback, and the winger has made a strong case for inclusion from the outset after his Allianz Arena heroics.

Martinez could look to restore midfield control by pairing Paris Saint-Germain duo Vitinha and Joao Neves, fresh off their Champions League triumph at this very venue last weekend.

Vitinha started on the bench versus Germany, while Joao Neves was deployed out of position at right-back, as Ruben Neves was handed midfield duties.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who netted the decisive goal in the semi-final, is a guaranteed starter and will make his 221st international appearance for Portugal, continuing to lead from the front.

The assist for that goal came from fellow PSG player Nuno Mendes, while Goncalo Ramos is once again expected to be named among the substitutes due to his limited role at club level.

Rodrigo Mora remains uncapped and watched the semi-final from the bench, having been called up to replace the injured Geovany Quenda from the March squad.

Martinez has largely stuck by his regulars throughout this tournament and, despite minor tactical tweaks, is likely to maintain that sense of continuity after the morale-boosting win over Germany—with Vitinha tipped to return to the starting lineup.

Portugal – Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

• Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa
• Defenders: Nélson Semedo, Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio, Nuno Mendes
• Midfielders: Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, João Neves
• Forwards: Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo, Pedro Neto

Spain – Team News

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente is likely to retain the bulk of the lineup that dismantled France when his side takes on Portugal in Sunday’s UEFA Nations League final.

Deploying Mikel Oyarzabal in a central roaming role, flanked by Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, proved a tactical masterstroke, with the trio spearheading a blistering attacking display.

Yamal delivered another standout performance, netting twice in the 5-4 thriller, and is again expected to be the focal point of Spain’s offensive plans as he chases his fourth major honour this season.

Alvaro Morata was left out of the starting XI as a result of the false nine setup, and the captain is likely to remain on the bench in Munich.

Spain are contending with several key absences across the pitch. Rodri was not included in the squad due to fitness concerns, while attacking options Ferran Torres and Ayoze Perez are also unavailable.

Defensive depth has taken a hit too, with Inigo Martinez, Dani Carvajal, and Raul Asencio all sidelined. The back line showed signs of instability against France, particularly during the late surge, with Pedro Porro and Dean Huijsen facing pressure and Dani Vivian scoring an own goal.

Unai Simon, despite conceding four on his 50th appearance, is expected to retain his place in goal for the final.

Returning to the Allianz Arena, Fabian Ruiz—fresh from his Champions League triumph with PSG—could be drafted into the starting eleven. His inclusion may be the only alteration to Thursday’s side, possibly pitting him against several club teammates in the midfield battle.

After the win over France, De la Fuente remarked: “There’s not a lot I have to change for Sunday,” a comment aimed at Spain’s style of play but one that also reflects his likely approach to team selection. With Pedri performing effectively in a deeper pivot role, that setup could remain intact.

Spain – Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

• Goalkeeper: Unai Simón
• Defenders: Pedro Porro, Le Normand, Huijsen, Cucurella
• Midfielders: Pedri, Fabian Ruíz, Merino
• Forwards: Yamal, Williams, Oyarzabal

Portugal vs Spain: Prediction

Spain appear almost untouchable right now, largely thanks to their dynamic wide duo, whose relentless attacking threat might well tilt the balance in Munich.

While Portugal arguably boast greater depth across their squad, they seem to lack the clinical edge and decisive match-winners—aside from a veteran Ronaldo—that Spain possess, which could ultimately cost them in this showdown.

Prediction: Portugal 1-2 Spain

Where To Watch The Nations League Final LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details

The UEFA Nations League 2025 Final between Portugal and Spain is set to begin at 12:30 AM IST on Monday, June 9, at the Allianz Arena, Munich in Germany. The match will be broadcast live on the Sony network and will also be available for live streaming on Sony LIV.

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