Nations League Portugal Vs Spain Preview

Portugal take on Spain in the UEFA Nations League final at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Sunday, with the contest kicking off at 20:00 and being broadcast live on ITV1.

Both Iberian nations enjoyed dramatic semi-final victories, with Spain holding off a spirited fightback from France to win 5-4 a day after Portugal had battled back from a goal down to beat hosts Germany.

Spain are the defending champions, but only just pipped Portugal to a semi-final place two years ago when the teams played out two low-scoring Nations League contests.

However, goals look almost guaranteed in this meeting with so many creative talents on show, which includes an intriguing first-ever clash between 40-year-old Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo and Spanish teen sensation Lamine Yamal.

Tip 1: Spain or Draw & 2-4 Match Goals @ 20/21 with bet365

La Roja were irresistible for an hour against France, going 4-0 up and threatening to turn the game into a rout. But Luis de la Fuente’s side lost their way late in the second half and were forced to hang on for the 5-4 win. Spain’s youthful exuberance means they can sometimes overplay in matches where an older profile of player would shut the game down.

And it has nearly come back to bite them before in this competition as the Netherlands equalised in normal and extra-time against them in March to take their quarter-final to penalties. Portugal’s ranks are packed with crafty players who can capitalise on any errors and they never know when they are beaten.

Francisco Trincao’s late goal took their quarter-final against Denmark to extra time and Roberto Martinez’s men then came from a goal down to beat Germany in Munich.

Spain are likely to make all the running in the final as they look to extend a 19-match unbeaten run, but don’t rule out a late Portugal comeback to take the game beyond 90 minutes, while a 2-4 goal range is a worthy addition to the bet for a return of close to even money.

Tip 2: Both Teams to Score in the 2nd Half @ 7/4 with bet365

Both teams have scored in the second half of Spain’s last five matches and that trend could well continue when they meet this wily but flawed Portuguese side.

Selecao can look great when going forward with Bruno Fernandes pulling the strings and the full-backs flying forward, but they lack a midfield destroyer capable of shielding the often-exposed central defenders.

Portugal’s diminutive midfield are all used to dominating possession, which is unlikely to be how this one pans out against pass-masters Spain.

It could lead to the game becoming stretched in the second period, resulting in plenty of chances at both ends.

Both teams have scored after the break in three of Portugal’s last five matches too, and it looks like an option worth backing on Sunday. 

Tip 3: Mikel Merino to score a header @ 14/1 with bet365

Mikel Merino’s goalscoring prowess from midfield saw him used as an emergency striker by Arsenal towards the end of the club season and he delivered nine goals in all competitions.

The Pamplona-born star came off the bench to grab a crucial late equaliser in La Roja’s Nations League quarter-final in Rotterdam and put away a crisp strike against France in the semi-finals too. 

His other international goal was a memorable extra-time header to beat hosts Germany at Euro 2024 last summer and his ability to crash the box on the lookout for aerial chances may work against Portugal too.

The Portuguese defence was exposed for being slow to pick up a runner from deep when Florian Wirtz guided a header past Diogo Costa in Munich on Wednesday.