At 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo just keeps going. The Portuguese legend is still chasing greatness, this time up against the new wave of talent led by Lamine Yamal, Spain’s teenage sensation who hasn’t even turned 18 yet. It’s a generational showdown between two of the most in-form national teams—both looking to become the first to win two Nations League titles.

Luis de la Fuente’s Spain come into this final flying high. They’re the reigning 2023 Nations League champs and fresh off winning Euro 2024, knocking out powerhouses like Germany, France, and England along the way. With a perfect blend of youth and fearlessness, La Roja have delivered when it matters most—just look at their 5-1 demolition of Mbappé’s France in the semis, even if they eased off late to make it 5-4.

Facing them is a revamped Portugal side still led by Cristiano, who scored the goal that punched their ticket to the final. He’s now backed by stars like Vitinha, the midfield general from European champs PSG, plus young guns João Neves, Nuno Mendes, and the electric Francisco Conceição. It was Vitinha and Conceição who came off the bench to flip the script in the semis against host nation Germany.

Battle of the benches and rising stars

Two of the hottest coaches in Europe are going head-to-head. De la Fuente boasts a 76.67% win rate and aims to outdo Vicente del Bosque, while Roberto Martínez has racked up a 72.41% success rate since taking over Portugal. Their teams are close in the stats too—Spain averages 2.6 goals per game and concedes 0.93, while Portugal scores 2.55 and allows just 0.76.

Cristiano Ronaldo has a mind-blowing 138 goals in 221 international matches, but oddly enough, only three of those came against Spain—and all in one epic game at the 2018 World Cup. He’s still chasing redemption for the 2012 Euros, where he didn’t even get to take his penalty in the shootout loss. Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal is turning heads as one of the breakout stars of the year, with some already backing him for the Ballon d’Or, thanks to his brilliant Euro campaign and current Nations League run.

Spain will be missing Rodri and Carvajal due to injury but are expected to stick with most of the starting XI from the semis. Fabián Ruiz returns after resting post-Champions League, and key players like Dean Huijsen at the back and Mikel Oyarzabal up top remain in place. Oyarzabal, De la Fuente’s go-to striker and hero of the Berlin final 11 months ago, will be joined by wingers Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, who’ll be looking to take down yet another giant.