Portugal Vs Spain Player Ratings-who Really Dominated?
- 01. Portugal vs Spain Player Ratings: The Complete Breakdown
- 02. Match Overview and Final Result
- 03. Portugal Player Ratings vs Spain (Complete List)
- 04. Spain Player Ratings vs Spain (Complete List)
- 05. Top 5 Performers Across Both Teams
- 06. Key Statistical Highlights That Surprised Everyone
- 07. Penalty Shootout Breakdown
- 08. Managerial Tactical Decisions Analyzed
- 09. Historical Context: Portugal's Second Nations League Title
- 10. Bottom Line on Player Ratings
Portugal vs Spain Player Ratings: The Complete Breakdown
Portugal defeated Spain 5-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the UEFA Nations League final on June 8, 2025, with Nuno Mendes earning the highest Portugal rating (8.1) and Martín Zubimendi topping Spain's stats (8.5). Cristiano Ronaldo scored Portugal's equalizing goal at age 40, while Pedri completed 100% of his 52 passes for Spain despite the loss.
Match Overview and Final Result
The UEFA Nations League final between Portugal and Spain took place on Sunday, June 8, 2025 at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. Portugal became two-time Nations League winners after Diogo Costa's crucial shoot-out save from Álvaro Morata sealed their 5-3 penalty victory following a dramatic 2-2 draw after extra time. Spain led twice through Martín Zubimendi's 21st-minute opener and Oyarzabal's 45th-minute strike, but Portugal responded both times with Nuno Mendes' rocket equalizer and Cristiano Ronaldo's 61st-minute volley.
Portugal Player Ratings vs Spain (Complete List)
Portugal's starting lineup played a 4-2-3-1 formation with varying levels of performance throughout the 120 minutes. The defensive standout was left-back Nuno Mendes, who scored the opening equalizer and effectively neutralized Lamine Yamal.
- Diogo Costa (GK) - 6.7/10: Saved Morata's penalty in the shootout to win the trophy
- João Neves (RB) - 4.8/10: Weak clearance led to Zubimendi's opener, substituted at halftime
- Rúben Dias (CB) - 7.3/10: Looked incredibly strong, let very little past him
- Gonçalo Inácio (CB) - 6.0/10: Caught out by Oyarzabal for Spain's second goal
- Nuno Mendes (LB) - 8.1/10: Scored brilliant equalizer, assisted second goal, contained Yamal
- Bernardo Silva (CM) - 6.0/10: Created chances but accuracy below typical standards
- Vitinha (CM) - 7.5/10: 88 touches, 93.8% pass completion, 14 final third touches
- Francisco Conceição (RW) - 6.2/10: Nullified by Marc Cucurella, substituted at 46'
- Bruno Fernandes (AM) - 6.6/10: Failed to create chances in 120 minutes, scored penalty
- Pedro Neto (LW) - 7.3/10: Provided important assist for Mendes' goal
- Cristiano Ronaldo (ST) - 7.4/10: Clinical finish, 1 goal from 1 shot on target
Spain Player Ratings vs Spain (Complete List)
Spain dominated possession with 61.4% across 120 minutes and attempted 812 passes-their most in the 2024/25 Nations League-yet lost on penalties. The midfield trio excelled statistically while the attack failed to convert dominance into victory.
- Unai Simón (GK) - 5.6/10: Could not influence the match significantly
- Óscar Mingueza (RB) - 5.0/10: Substituted at 93'
- Robin Le Normand (CB) - 6.8/10: Solid defensive display throughout
- Dean Huijsen (CB) - 6.0/10: Made 123 passes, most on pitch
- Marc Cucurella (LB) - 7.0/10: Made 106 passes, nullified Francisco Conceição
- Martín Zubimendi (CM) - 8.5/10: Scored opener, 118 passes, Spain's best player
- Pedri (CM) - 8.2/10: Perfect 100% pass completion (52/52), rose to big occasion
- Fabián Ruiz (CM) - 7.1/10: Substituted at 75'
- Lamine Yamal (RW) - 7.2/10: Most dribbles (19), lost ball 21 times, 17 duels
- Nico Williams (LW) - 6.5/10: Substituted at 93'
- Mikel Oyarzabal (ST) - 7.0/10: Scored Spain's second goal with smart finish
Top 5 Performers Across Both Teams
| Rank | Player | Team | Rating | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Martín Zubimendi | Spain | 8.5/10 | 118 passes, opening goal |
| 2 | Pedri | Spain | 8.2/10 | 100% pass completion (52/52) |
| 3 | Nuno Mendes | Portugal | 8.1/10 | Goal + assist, contained Yamal |
| 4 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | 7.4/10 | 1 goal from 1 shot on target |
| 5 | Pedro Neto | Portugal | 7.3/10 | Assist for equalizer |
Key Statistical Highlights That Surprised Everyone
The match statistics revealed several unexpected patterns that contradicted the final result. Spain's possession dominance didn't translate to victory despite superior passing metrics.
- Pedri's perfect passing: 52 completed passes from 52 attempted (100% completion) while Spain lost-remarkable individual excellence in defeat
- Ronaldo's efficiency: The 40-year-old had only 22 touches and 75% pass accuracy (worst on pitch) but scored the crucial equalizer with his only shot on target
- Lamine Yamal's struggles: Most dribbles (19) but also most ball losses (21) and most duels (17), showing defensive containment by Mendes
- Shot disparity: Spain took 16 shots to Portugal's 7-Portugal's least in a 2024/25 Nations League game-yet won on penalties
- Substitute impact: Rúben Neves scored the winning penalty after coming on at 46', earning 6.4 despite João Neves' 4.8 starting rating
Penalty Shootout Breakdown
The shootout featured seven perfect penalties before the decisive moment. Diogo Costa saved Álvaro Morata's penalty, then Rúben Neves buried his to win Portugal their second Nations League title-the first nation ever to achieve this feat.
Managerial Tactical Decisions Analyzed
Luis de la Fuente's decision to positioning Nico Williams defensively backfired, as Nico matched Lamine Yamal stride-for-stride but couldn't prevent Portugal's pressure. Coach Roberto Martínez's halftime substitution of João Neves for Nelson Semedo stabilized Portugal's right defense. The tactical substitution proved crucial as Semedo earned 6.4 compared to Neves' 4.8 starting rating.
Historical Context: Portugal's Second Nations League Title
Portugal's victory marked their second Nations League championship, making them the first nation ever to win two such titles. Ronaldo's trophy addition at age 40 continues his extraordinary longevity, having done "little of note" statistically but being in the right place for the crucial equalizer.
Bottom Line on Player Ratings
The surprising ratings show that individual excellence (Pedri's 100% passing, Zubimendi's 8.5) doesn't guarantee team victory when clinical finishing and shootout composure favor the opponent. Portugal's comeback-from-behind-twice performance, anchored by Mendes' 8.1 rating and Costa's penalty save, proved more valuable than Spain's statistical dominance.
Everything you need to know about Portugal Vs Spain Player Ratings Who Really Dominated
Who scored Portugal's goals against Spain?
Nuno Mendes scored in the 26th minute with a low shot into the bottom corner for his first international goal, and Cristiano Ronaldo volleyed in the 61st-minute equalizer from a deflected cross.
Who scored Spain's goals against Portugal?
Martín Zubimendi tapped into an open net in the 21st minute after rebounds, and Mikel Oyarzabal finished Pedri's perfect through ball in the 45th minute just before halftime.
What was Diogo Costa's rating and key contribution?
Diogo Costa received a 6.7/10 rating and made the tournament-defining save against Morata's penalty in the shootout, though he should have been firmer on Spain's first goal.
Why did Spain lose despite dominating possession?
Spain had 61.4% possession, 16 shots (vs Portugal's 7), 755 accurate passes (vs 441), and 13 tackles won (vs 8), but "pretty passing for the sake of it" didn't win the match as they failed to stop Portugal's counterattacks.
Who was Spain's best player in the loss?
Martín Zubimendi earned Spain's highest rating (8.5/10) after scoring the opening goal and completing 118 passes with exceptional accuracy throughout the match.