Ronaldo fires Portugal past Germany to secure Nations League final spot

Ronaldo fires Portugal past Germany to secure Nations League final spot

Cristiano Ronaldo delivered yet again, scoring his 137th international goal to complete a dramatic 2-1 comeback win for Portugal over Germany, sealing a place in the UEFA Nations League final and ending a five-match losing streak against Die Mannschaft.

Kick-off at the Allianz Arena was delayed by 10 minutes due to a storm in Munich, but both sides came out with intensity.

Leon Goretzka tested Diogo Costa early, while Ronaldo forced a routine save from Marc-André ter Stegen at the other end.

Germany applied pressure as the first half progressed, but Costa stood firm with key saves to deny Goretzka and Nick Woltemade. Portugal, winless in their last three away games, looked cautious and lacked attacking bite before halftime.

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Germany struck shortly after the restart. In the 48th minute, Joshua Kimmich lofted a ross into the box, and Florian Wirtz — reportedly on his way to Liverpool — headed home clinically.

Portugal responded swiftly. In the 62nd minute, substitute Francisco Conceição dazzled with a solo run, cutting in from the right and curling a stunning strike into the top corner.

Just five minutes later, Nuno Mendes burst through the German defense and teed up Ronaldo for a simple close-range finish.

Stunned, Germany pushed for an equalizer, with Karim Adeyemi coming closest by hitting the post late on. But Portugal’s defense held firm, handing Julian Nagelsmann just his second home defeat in 13 matches.

Ronaldo fires Portugal past Germany to secure Nations League final spot