Portugal take on Spain in the Munich final for UEFA Nations League supremacy, as the magnitude of this clash promises fireworks.

Portugal have not managed to reach the heights of the inaugural UEFA Nations League campaign, which they won, but Roberto Martinez’s men have another chance to reclaim continental supremacy when they face Spain at the Allianz Arena on Sunday. The Selecao have set up a date with their Iberian neighbours for a mouth-watering clash in Munich.

It will be Portugal’s second visit to Munich in a space of a few days, as they had to put in a terrific performance to get past Germany in the semi-final. Florian Wirtz had put the hosts in front right at the stroke of half-time, at which point many had doubted whether the Selecao had what it takes to make a comeback in the game.

Yet, a top-notch display from Martinez’s men secured the passage to the final, as goals from Francisco Conceicao and the evergreen Cristiano Ronaldo secured the win. Portugal will hope to secure their second Nations League title, as they have a big challenge ahead as reigning champions Spain stand in their way.

Luis de la Fuente’s side had to ensure they came out victorious in their star-studded semi-final clash against France, but the contest was not a straightforward win. Spain were the better side for most parts of the game, but a late resurgence from Didier Deschamps’s men ensured a nervy ending for La Roja.

Spain were 4-0 ahead at one stage, but a Kylian Mbappe penalty brought France back into form, as the game ended with a 5-4 scoreline. While Spain found their passage into the final, Portugal might have looked at that performance with intent and may have found some chunks in the armour of de la Fuente’s defence to exploit in the Final.

Team News & Tactics

Portugal

Roberto Martinez is set to have some of his key starters for this one, as he was cautious to use some of those against Germany in the backdrop of the recently played UEFA Champions League final. Hence, the Vitinha os set for a starting role in central midfield, with Ruben Neves likely to make way for the PSG star.

There will be some more changes anticipated for Portugal, as Francisco Conceicao’s impact off the bench against Germany might earn him a starting role in the front three. There should be no doubts about Cristiano Ronaldo’s status as a starter as he scored the winner in the semifinals.

Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes are expected to feature in the midfield setup. Meanwhile, Francisco Trincao and Pedro Neto could move to the bench, as Diogo Jota might come in to take up the left side of the front three for Portugal against Spain.

Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Costa; Semedo, Dias, Inacio, Mendes; Silva, Vitinha, Fernandes; Conceicao, Ronaldo, Jota

Spain

The quality in the Spanish squad allows Luis de la Fuente to shuffle his pack if necessary, and there are some alternatives available for the manager to play around with in the Final. One of the big positives ahead of the final is the readiness of key man Fabian Ruiz, as there is every chance he could start.

However, the terrific display put in by Mikel Merino against France does not merit de la Fuente dropping the Arsenal star. Similarly, Mikel Oyarzabal also impressed with two first-half assists for Spain, which will keep Alvaro Morata on the bench, as the manager will prefer to use the Real Sociedad star in the false-nine role.

Hence, the Spanish manager might retain an identical starting lineup that secured the win over France, as Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams will feature in the front three. Dean Huijsen was preferred over Pau Cubarsi in the backline, and he will continue alongside Robin Le Normand in central defence, while Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella manage the full-back zones.

Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Simon; Porro, Normand, Huijsen, Cucurella; Pedri, Zubimendi, Merino; Yamal, Oyarzabal, Williams

Key Stats

• Portugal have failed to win their last six meetings against Spain.
• Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 137th Portugal goal against Germany in what was his 220th appearance.
• Spain are undefeated in their last six matches against Portugal in all competitions.
• Spain have scored 23 goals in their nine Nations League games.

Player to Watch

Lamine Yamal

Embed from Getty Images,

The Barcelona sensation continued his stellar form for Spain with a brace against France in the semi-finals. The Nations League final provides the neutrals a good game in terms of watching two superstars at different age spectrums, and the young Yamal pits his wits against the evergreen Cristiano Ronaldo.

Surely, the narrative will be set on those lines, as this game might be another chance for Yamal to prove he is destined for greatness. He will once again be Spain’s main threat in the final third against Portugal, and the teenager will want his name etched as a champion by the end of Sunday.

Prediction

Portugal 2-3 Spain

Portugal cannot be underestimated by any means as they have the tools on both ends of the pitch to make a difference against Spain. With a sturdy defence in tow, Roberto Martinez will hope his players have what it takes to stop the free-flowing Spanish attackers, although that may eventually prove to be a difficult task.

As for Spain, they are the favourites to lift their second UEFA Nations League title and overcome an impressive Portuguese side. Lamine Yamal will once again come into focus as the difference makers, as many other players can do that. So, Spain are set to clinch consecutive Nations League titles, although this game promises to be a goals-galore.