Portugal vs Spain: Preview, Prediction & Lineups

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The UEFA Nations League final, taking place today at the Allianz Arena in Munich, is set to be an Iberian showdown as Portugal faces Spain, with both nations aiming to become the first two-time winners of the competition. Portugal, the inaugural champions in 2019, want to reclaim continental supremacy, while Spain, the reigning champions, want to add to their recent run of major international honours.

Match Preview

Portugal reached the final after a 2-1 win over Germany in the semi-finals, coming from behind to win thanks to goals from Francisco Conceição and Cristiano Ronaldo. The 40-year-old Ronaldo, who scored the winner against Germany, is still key for the Selecao and is closing in on being the top scorer in this Nations League.

Spain made it to the final after a 5-4 win over France in a nine-goal thriller. Despite being 4-0 up at one stage, Spain had to hold on for a late French comeback. Luis de la Fuente’s side wants to be the first team to retain the Nations League trophy since its inception in 2018.

Team News & Tactics

Portugal

Roberto Martinez is likely to start Vitinha in midfield, with Ruben Neves to make way. Francisco Conceição’s impact off the bench against Germany may earn him a start in the front three alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Diogo Jota, who could replace Pedro Neto. Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes will play in midfield, providing creativity and experience.

Expected Lineup (4-3-3):

Costa; Semedo, Dias, Inacio, Mendes; Silva, Vitinha, Fernandes; Conceicao, Ronaldo, Jota.

Spain

Luis de la Fuente has the luxury of squad depth but may stick with the same team that beat France, with Fabian Ruiz potentially back in midfield alongside Pedri and Mikel Merino. In attack, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams will flank Mikel Oyarzabal, who will play instead of Álvaro Morata in the false-nine role. Dean Huijsen and Robin Le Normand will play in central defence, with Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella at full-back.

Expected Lineup (4-3-3):

Simon; Porro, Normand, Huijsen, Cucurella; Pedri, Zubimendi, Merino; Yamal, Oyarzabal, Williams

Stats

Portugal haven’t beaten Spain in their last six matches.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 137th goal for Portugal against Germany in the semi-final.
Spain are unbeaten in their last six matches against Portugal in all competitions.
Spain have scored 23 goals in nine Nations League matches.

Player to Watch: Lamine Yamal

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The 17-year-old Barcelona prodigy has been brilliant for Spain, scoring twice against France in the semi-final. Yamal is the youthful spark in a match that also features the veteran Cristiano Ronaldo. He’s Spain’s main attacking threat.

Portugal vs Spain Prediction

It’s going to be a tight, high-quality game. Spain’s recent record and unbeaten run in the Nations League give them a slight edge, but Portugal’s resilience and Ronaldo’s experience make them a threat.