UEFA Nations League Final: Portugal vs Spain – All You Need to Know
Portugal and Spain will face off in the UEFA Nations League final on Sunday, 8 June, in what promises to be an exciting clash between two of Europe’s top teams. With both nations aiming to become the first to win the tournament twice, the stage is set for a thrilling night of football in Munich. Here’s everything you need to know before kick-off.
When is it?
The final is on Sunday, 8 June.
Kick-off time: 21:00 CET (8pm UK time)
Where: Munich Football Arena, Germany
Match Preview:
Portugal vs Spain – Who will win the Nations League?
Portugal won the first Nations League title in 2019. Now, they want to win it again and become the first team to lift the trophy twice.
They beat Germany in the semi-final with a great comeback. Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner after Francisco Conceição made it 1–1. Ronaldo, now 40, will be hoping to repeat his famous hat-trick against Spain from the 2018 World Cup. If he scores a few more, he could become this year’s Nations League top scorer.
Spain are the current champions. They won the Nations League in 2023 and then the Euros in 2024. Coach Luis de la Fuente’s team showed their attacking power in a 5–4 win over France in the semi-final. They led 4–0, but France fought back, showing that Spain’s defence still needs some work.
Spain midfielder Mikel Merino said:
“Portugal are a top team – just look at their line-up. We’ll need to be at our best.”
Possible Starting Line-ups:
Portugal:
Diogo Costa; Nélson Semedo, Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio, Nuno Mendes;
Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, João Neves;
Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Neto
Coach Roberto Martínez is expected to stick with the team that beat Germany. Vitinha, who came on as a sub, could start this time.
Spain:
Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Le Normand, Huijsen, Cucurella;
Pedri, Fabián Ruíz;
Lamine Yamal, Mikel Merino, Nico Williams;
Oyarzabal
Coach Luis de la Fuente said he doesn’t need to change much. Fabián Ruíz, who recently won the Champions League, may return to the starting XI. Pedri played well in midfield against France and may keep that role.
