This match has the character of revenge and an exceptional football club, as it comes as a rematch of last year’s European Nations League final, which Portugal decided on penalties. It also represents a symbolic struggle between football “legend” Cristiano Ronaldo and the rising talent Lamine Yamal.
The Spanish national team, led by Luis de la Fuente, entered the tournament at an increasing level, as it began its campaign with a draw with Cape Verde, before imposing its control by winning over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, then eliminating Austria in the round of 32 with a clean triple scored by Mikel Oyarzabal (two goals) and Pedro Boro.
On the other hand, Portugal qualified after finishing second in its group behind Colombia, where it tied with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and swept Uzbekistan by five, before clinching its qualification with a goalless draw with Colombia.
In the round of 32, Ronaldo’s teammates showed a strong personality by overturning their deficit against Croatia to a fatal 2-1 victory, through Ronaldo’s goal from a penalty kick and a decisive goal by Gonzalo Ramos in stoppage time.
