Ronaldo Beat Lamine Yamal to Win the UEFA Nations League

Cristiano Ronaldo has done it again. At 40 years old, he helped Portugal beat Spain to win the UEFA Nations League in a final full of drama and excitement.

The match ended 2–2 after extra time. In the penalty shootout, Portugal stayed calm and won 5–3.

Ronaldo vs Yamal: Old legend meets young star

Ronaldo’s Big Goal

• Ronaldo scored a great goal in the 61st minute to make the game 2–2.
  
• It was his 938th career goal—an amazing record for the football legend.
  

Yamal’s bright future

• 17-year-old Lamine Yamal had been the star for Spain in their 5–4 win over France in the semi-final.
  
• In the final, he showed great skill again, but couldn’t score this time.
  

How the final happened

Spain scored first through Martín Zubimendi.Portugal answered with a goal from Nuno Mendes. Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal made it 2–1 just before half-time, hen came Ronaldo’s equalizer to make it 2–2.

No one could score again, so the game went to penalties. Portugal scored all their penalties and won 5–3.

More than just two players

Some people called this the “Ronaldo vs Yamal” match. But Portugal’s João Neves said: “It’s not Ronaldo vs Yamal, it’s Portugal vs Spain.” This was a team effort.

Before the match, Ronaldo also showed respect to Yamal, saying: “I hope people let him grow in peace.” Yamal called Ronaldo “a football icon” and said he admired him.

What does this win mean?

• For Ronaldo: He is now the oldest player to win the Nations League and also the oldest to score in the league. He adds this trophy to his amazing career.
  
• For Yamal: Even though Spain lost, he showed the world that he is a player to watch for the future. He might even win the Ballon d’Or one day.