Cristiano Ronaldo Sends Portugal to Nations League Final

Portugal are through to the final of the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League after a dramatic comeback victory over Germany at the Allianz Arena in Munich. Roberto Martínez’s men overturned a second-half deficit to shatter the hosts’ dreams of lifting the trophy on home soil.

While the Nations League may still face scepticism in its early stages, the intensity undeniably rises once the tournament reaches the Final Four — and this semi-final was no exception. The opening half saw a cautious tactical battle, filled with duels across the pitch and limited goalmouth action.

The deadlock was broken shortly after the interval. Florian Wirtz was initially denied space in the box, but moments later latched onto a delicate lob from Joshua Kimmich. After a physical challenge by Woltemade, which survived VAR review, Wirtz guided a header past Diogo Costa to put Germany in front.

Martínez reacted swiftly, making a triple substitution that included the introduction of Francisco Conceição — a move that proved decisive. On 63 minutes, Conceição cut inside from the right and curled a brilliant shot into the far corner.

Just five minutes later, Portugal completed the turnaround. Exploiting gaps in Germany’s defence, Cristiano Ronaldo found himself in the right place at the right time to slot home into an empty net — his clinical finish putting the visitors ahead.

Germany pressed forward in search of an equaliser, but Portugal managed the final stages expertly and even looked more likely to extend their lead. In the end, the 2-1 scoreline sends Portugal through to the final, where they will face the winner of tomorrow’s clash between Spain and France.

Nations League 2024-2025

Germany - Portugal 1:2 (0:0)
Goals: Wirtz, 48 (1:0); Conceicao F., 63 (1:1); Cristiano Ronaldo, 68 (1:2)

Germany: ter Stegen; Anton (Nmecha F., 71); Koch; Mittelstädt (Gosens, 60); Tah J.; Wirtz; Goretzka; Kimmich; Pavlovic Al. (Adeyemi K., 71); Sane L. (Gnabry, 60); Woltemade (Fuellkrug, 60)
Bench: Baumann; Nübel; Kehrer; Andrich; Groß; Raum D.; Bischof T.; Undav
Yellow Cards: Tah J. 80; Wirtz 84; Fuellkrug 85

Portugal: Costa D.; Dias R.; Inacio; Mendes N.; Neves J. P. (Semedo N., 58); Ruben Neves (Vitinha F., 58); Bernardo Silva; Fernandes B.; Pedro Neto (Jota, 83); Cristiano Ronaldo (Palhinha, 90); Trincão (Conceicao F., 58)
Bench: José Sá; Rui Silva; Dalot; Silva A.; Veiga; Mora; Pedro Gonçalves; Félix J.; Rafael Leão; Ramos G.
Yellow Cards: Ruben Neves 52; Dias R. 85