Cristiano Ronaldo failed to contain his emotions after helping Portugal to their third international tournament triumph.
Portugal beat Spain in a dramatic Nations League final on penalties with the scores level at 2-2 after 120 minutes at the Allianz Arena on Sunday night.
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Portugal are two-time Nations League winnersCredit: Getty
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Skipper Ronaldo dropped to his knees after Portugal emerged victorious on penalties
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He was reduced to tears after winning his third international tournament
Spain twice led in normal time, with Martin Zubimendi breaking the deadlock in the 21st minute.
Mikel Oyarzabal then put the Euro 2024 winners ahead on the stroke of half-time after Nuno Mendes equalised in the 26th minute.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who swapped shirts with Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams at half-time, then came to Portugal’s rescue once again.
Bringing up his 138th international goal in the 61st minute, Ronaldo volleyed Portugal level with a first-time effort into the far corner.
But he couldn’t see out the match as he was replaced by Goncalo Ramos after picking up an injury in the closing stages of the second half.
Both teams pressed for a winner in extra-time, but neither side could make the breakthrough, leading to the second consecutive Nations League final to be decided by a shootout.
Spain emerged victorious on penalties against Croatia in 2023, but their luck was out this time around.
Portugal ended up as 5-3 victors, with ex-Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata being the only player to miss from 12 yards, with his shot saved by Diogo Costa.
And up stepped former Wolves skipper Ruben Neves, who rifled his attempt into the bottom left corner to spark jubilant scenes.
Ronaldo – watching on from the sidelines – dropped to his knees where he was instantly reduced to tears.
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Ronaldo scored Portugal’s equaliser, which sent the game into extra-time
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Neves scored the winning goal in the penalty shootoutCredit: Getty
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Portugal are the first country to win the Nations League on two occasionsCredit: Getty
The 40-year-old is now the only Portugal player to have won the Nations League twice, as well as the European Championship, which he lifted in 2016.
Portugal won the inaugural edition of the Nations League in 2019 after beating Netherlands in the final.
While they are the first country to win the tournament on two occasions, Spain are the first to be losing finalists twice.
Spain were defeated by France in 2019 following Kylian Mbappe’s controversial winner.
But while Spanish hearts were broken, one Spaniard was left grinning like a Cheshire cat after finally winning an international trophy.
Portugal boss Martinez, who was born and raised in Catalonia, has been in international management since 2016.
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Ronaldo and Martinez failed to contain their delight after Portugal won the Nations LeagueCredit: AFP
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But it was despair for Morata after he saw his spot-kick saved by CostaCredit: Getty
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Spain are the first country to lose in two Nations League finalsCredit: AFP
Martinez linked up with the Red Devils after being sacked by Everton, where he guided Belgium to third-place in the 2018 World Cup.
He then endured heartbreak with Portugal at Euro 2024 where they crashed out on penalties to France in the quarter-finals.
But he has finally got his hands on his first trophy since guiding Wigan to FA Cup glory in 2013.