The final match of the Nations League 2024-2025 season is considered a battle between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lamine Yamal. However, when the decisive moment came in Portugal's victory over Spain, both could only stand aside and observe while others walked into the central stage.
Diogo Costa's save against Alvaro Morata's penalty in a penalty shootout, after the two teams had a quality 2-2 draw in Munich, created conditions for Ruben Neves to take the decisive shot successfully.
Ronaldo, who had to leave the pitch in the 88th minute due to a strain, ran into the pitch to celebrate before burst into tears. This is CR7's third international title, including 2 Nations League and 1 EURO. Meanwhile, Yamal had to wander around the pitch in a heavy mood, comforting his teammates - especially Morata - after the veteran striker missed a penalty.
The 17-year-old striker has almost never shown any heartbreaking signs. The Nations League is not a big title but cannot be underestimated. But after winning EURO 2024 last summer, missing the Nations League will not keep the Barcelona star from sleeping. This tomorrow star has a long way to go to strive for.
Yamal may be better than Ronaldo at 17, but the stage at the Allianz Arena does not belong to the Spanish striker. Not Ronaldo, even though the 40-year-old scored a goal. CR7's volley in the second half helped Portugal tie the score at 2-2. This was his 138th international goal - far surpassing 109 goals by former Iranian striker Ali Daei.
Yamal and Ronaldo have caught the attention before the match, but the great thing about both teams is that they don't just have superstar strikers. And this is the night they have proven that.
Nuno Mendes was named Man of the Match. Paris St Germain left-back won the direct battle with Yamal. Mendes, who scored the first goal for Portugal, easily overcame Yamal before passing the ball to Ronaldo to score in the second half.
A week after winning the Champions League, he won the Nations League Cup after putting aside the pressure to successfully take a penalty kick in a penalty shootout.
Bruno Fernandes also made a big impact for Portugal, while Vitinha shone as usual, similar to what he did in PSG's 5-0 win over Inter Milan.
Spain also shows its depth and world-class quality. Zubimendi, who is expected to complete a £51 million transfer from Real Sociedad to Arsenal this week, has impressed in the role of holding midfielder. Zubimendi could be an important piece in Mikel Arteta's picture at the Emirates.
Pedri, a Barcelona midfielder, has also played brilliantly alongside Zubimendi. Meanwhile, Oyarzabal is a player who is often left unnoticed. At the age of 28, he has spent his entire career at Real Sociedad. However, Oyarzabal's ability deserves a club much bigger than what La Real brings.
Strong, intelligent and a sharp finisher, Oyarzabal has now scored in three major finals for Spain. The player will be an important member of La Roja's squad for next year's World Cup.
There are other outstanding players in both teams. The Spanish centre-backs Dean Huijsen and Robin Le Normand have impressed, while Portugal's Ruben Dias has also regained his top form. Both goalkeepers, Unai Simon of Spain and Costa of Portugal, also showed that they have the necessary qualities to win the World Cup.
But if one of the two teams wants to go far at the World Cup next year, the talent factor will still be indispensable. Just like Argentina relied on Lionel Messi to get them through the finish line at the 2022 World Cup.
Ronaldo will turn 41 when he plays at the 2026 World Cup. But after scoring against Germany and Spain, the Al-Nassr striker has proven that he can still shine against the strongest teams. In contrast, Yamal is a Dieu deal and will only get better when the World Cup takes place.
Both players must meet unimaginable expectations - Ronaldo for what he has done, Yamal for what he promises to become. However, they won't have to do it themselves.
It is clear that after the match at the Allianz Arena, both Portugal and Spain have enough depth to support their superstars to reach glory at the World Cup.
