Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal Thrill Fans with 2025 Nations League Win vs. Yamal, Spain

Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal knocked off Spain Sunday at the Nations League, with the match finished 2-2 in regulation before Portugal won 5-3 in penalties.

Ronaldo scored the equalizer in the 61st minute and was later subbed off, making his mark on the match, as always.

Afterwards, fans were thrilled with the spectacle they had witnessed from both the seemingly ageless Ronaldo and his Portuguese teammates:

Ronaldo told Sport TV (h/t ESPN News Service) that winning for his country "special":

""Winning for Portugal is always special. I have many titles with clubs, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal. It's tears. It's duty done and a lot of joy. "

""When you talk about Portugal it is always a special feeling. Being captain of this generation is a source of pride. Winning a title is always the pinnacle in a national team.""

It's now Portugal's third trophy during Ronaldo's time with the national team, and while the Nations League isn't on the level of winning the World Cup or Euros, beating this very talented Spain side is no small feat.

The stats would suggest Spain were the stronger side on the day, holding 61.4 percent of possession, out-shooting Portugal 16-7 (6-2 on goal) and holding a 4-3 advantage in corners. But the Portuguese, to their credit, were quite clinical with the chances they received and held their composure during penalties.

That, in turn, halted a Spanish unbeaten streak going back to March 2023, which included last year's triumph at the Euros.

Portugal's Nuno Mendes joined Ronaldo on the scoresheet in regulation, while Martín Zubimendi and Mikel Oyarzabal each scored for Spain in the first half.

Coming into the game, one of the storylines was the matchup of generations, with the 40-year-old Ronaldo squaring off with Spain's 17-year-old superstar, Lamine Yamal. On this day, Portugal's old head won out.