Spain and Portugal will renew their storied rivalry on Sunday night in Munich, as they clash in the UEFA Nations League final with both eyeing a second title in the competition.
Spain arrive as the favorites, brimming with confidence after a thrilling 5-4 semi-final victory over France, led by the electric 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, whose brace further cements his rise as La Roja’s next global superstar. Luis de la Fuente’s side has combined youth, flair, and tactical cohesion to devastating effect, scoring 23 goals across the campaign and looking every bit like a reincarnation of their golden 2008–2012 era.
Portugal, however, are no strangers to upsetting the odds and arrive at the final on the back of a gritty comeback win over hosts Germany. With Cristiano Ronaldo still proving decisive and Francisco Conceição emerging as a clutch performer, Roberto Martinez’s men will aim to become the first two-time champions of the Nations League, having lifted the inaugural trophy in 2019. After a shaky Euros and pressure mounting on Martinez, a title here would not only be redemption but it surely could give them a much needed boost ahead of World Cup qualifiers.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Spain vs. Portugal live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch the Nations League final in the U.K.:
TV channel: ITV1
Live stream: ITVX
This game is available for live telecast on ITV1. Streaming options are available on ITVX.
What time does Spain vs. Portugal kick off?
The Nations League final takes place at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany and kicks off on Sunday, June 8 at 9:00 p.m. local time.
It translates to 8:00 p.m. in UK time (BST).
Spain vs. Portugal lineups, team news
Mikel Oyarzabal is likely to continue as Spain's central attacker. The Real Sociedad captain was preferred to Alvaro Morata and laid on a pair of assists before halftime against France.
Fabian Ruiz only featured from the bench in midweek but is likely to return to the starting XI, back at the stadium where he won the Champions League with PSG eight days ago. Despite scoring against France, Arsenal's Mikel Merino looks the most obvious candidate to make way.
Martin Zubimendi will continue at the base of the midfield. Rodri has not been risked for this international break after only recently returning from nine months on the sidelines with an ACL injury.
Spain predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Simon (GK) — Porro, Le Normand, Huijsen, Cucurella — Pedri, Zubimendi, Ruiz — Lamine Yamal, Oyarzabal, Williams.
Injured: None
Suspended: None
As impressive as Portugal's comeback against Germany was, their upturn was also indicative of mistakes made by Roberto Martinez in his initial selection.
The experiment of fielding Joao Neves at right-back should be shelved after he made way for Nelson Semedo. Another Paris Saint-Germain star, Vitinha, replaced Ruben Neves at the base of the midfield and Francisco Conceicao came on for Trincao in attack.
That triple change arrived in the 58th minute with Portugal 1-0 down; by the 68th minute, they led 2-1.
Portugal predicted lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Costa (GK) — Semedo, Dias, Inacio, Mendes — Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Fernandes — Conceicao, Ronaldo, Neto.
Injured: None
Suspended: None
Nations League fixture schedule this week
All times in BST
Sunday, June 8
- Germany vs. France (2:00 p.m.)
- Spain vs. Portugal (8:00 p.m.)