Cristiano Ronaldo was left wanting to qualify with the Portugal national team to the Final Four of the UEFA Nations League. The goal was close to being achieved, but the story changed with Álvaro Morata's goal, which sealed the 1-0 victory for Spain in the 88th minute of the match played at the Municipal de Braga.
Once referee Daniele Orsato blew the whistle to end the match, the 'Roja' celebrated with enthusiasm. The other side of the coin was seen in the Portuguese team, with 'CR7' as the protagonist. The forward looked distraught and frustrated to see his chance of fighting for the title slip away.
Even in Morata's goal, Cristiano Ronaldo had already shown his discomfort, with a gesture that was captured by TV cameras. It was undoubtedly not the night of the attacker, who played his third consecutive game without scoring for his national team.
Spain, into the Nations League Final Four
A goal from Morata, after a cross from Dani Carvajal and an assist from Nico Williams, gave the victory to the Spanish national team at the Municipal de Braga stadium against Portugal and secured a spot in the final phase of the Nations League for the second consecutive edition.
Morata's 27th goal with the Spanish national team put an end to the draw that had prevailed in the matches between Portugal and Spain, with five consecutive draws. Spain dominated the first half without posing a threat in the opponent's area or shooting on target for the second consecutive game, and was saved by Unai Simón.
The dominance in the final stretch of the match, with the first shot on goal in the 71st minute, ended up securing Spain's qualification with Morata's goal two minutes before the end of the match, in which Unai Simón was decisive in saving a shot from Cristiano Ronaldo.
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