Video: Mikel Oyarzabal scores for Spain after Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates Portugal's goal in his face

Mikel Oyarzabal scored for Spain in the latter parts of the first half of the UEFA Nations League final vs. Portugal. This came after Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated in Oyarzabal’s face during Portugal’s goal.

Now, Oyarzabal has put Spain in front, but more than the goal, he’s been an important piece of Luis De La Fuente’s team during the tournament. Spain leads in the meantime as they are 45 minutes away from achieving the title. And yes, he can rub it in Cristiano Ronaldo’s face.

The goal was an absolute masterpiece with Spain’s trademark all over it. Again, it’s Pedri at the center of Spain’s offensive prowess. In the transition, his vision is key and sent a magical through ball to Oyarzabal who finished it with a delicate touch.

Oyarzabal has been key for De La Fuente

It’s safe to say that Spain has seen better strikers than Oyarzabal. We’re talking about players like Raul, Fernando Morientes, David Villa or Fernando Torres, just to mention a few. However, while Oyarzabal is not that big of a star, he does have one thing: high soccer IQ.

Mikel Oyarzabal of Spain celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with during the UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg Two match between Spain and Netherlands at Mestalla Stadium on March 23, 2025 in Valencia, Spain.

While he is not a traditional number 9 who is a poacher, the Vasque player does know how to find openings, and even better, score or assist. Just in the semifinal and finals alone, Oyarzabal has three goal involvements. He had two assists vs. France in the semis and now scores a key goal in the final.

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Video: Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates Portugal’s equalizer vs Spain in Oyarzabal’s face

With a philosophy which is more possession-oriented, Oyarzabal thrives. Long gone are the days were Spain needed a goalscoring machine. Now, someone who can score but also facilitate their teammates to do harm works wonders.