Spain and Portugal didn’t disappoint in the first half of the 2025 UEFA Nations League Final, providing fans all across the globe with nail-biting moments and candid confrontations between the best players in the world. As both sides headed to the locker room to cool off after a fast-paced opening 45 minutes, Cristiano Ronaldo was seen swapping jersey with one of Lamine Yamal’s star teammates.
The Iberian Derby has been as good as promoted in the UEFA Nations League Final. Fans at Allianz Arena have been treated to a spectacle on the pitch, and fans all over the globe have been at the edge of their seats, as well, as Spain and Portugal battle it out for the European trophy.
Ronaldo didn’t shy away from conflict, taunting Mikel Oyarzabal by celebrating the temporary equalizer in his face. But the Spanish forward had the last word before halftime, quickly avenging the mockery with a goal of his own to restore Spain’s lead at 2-1 before halftime.
However, once the whistle blew for intermission, Ronaldo calmed down and even showed a moment of great sportsmanship in the tunnel, where he was seen exchanging shirts with Nico Williams—the 22-year-old phenom and dynamic partner of Lamine Yamal.
Good luck charm
After swapping his first-half jersey with Williams, Ronaldo emerged from the tunnel for the second half wearing a brand-new shirt. Apparently, it brought him good luck, as the Portuguese legend found the back of the net just 15 minutes later, tying the game at two apiece.
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Video: Mikel Oyarzabal scores for Spain after Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates Portugal’s goal in his face
It was Cristiano Ronaldo’s 138th goal for Portugal and the fourth time he has scored against Spain. His previous three goals against the Red Fury came during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, when he netted a hat trick in a thrilling 3-3 draw between the two Iberian powerhouses in the group stage.
