Portugal Vs Spain [2-2 (5-3)] UEFA Nations League Final 2024/2025: Roberto Martínez Tactics – Tactical Analysis

Portugal lifted their fourth-ever trophy after beating Spain on penalties following an extra-time period that finished 2-2 in the 2024/2025 UEFA Nations League Final, at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.

Portugal resisted Spain’s attacking threats, limiting their strengths and countering their attempts intelligently to bring the game to penalties.

Both teams were capable of adding a third goal, but at the same time, they were cautious enough to avoid conceding goals in delicate moments, which led to penalty shootouts.

Although Luis de la Fuentes Spain did their best to win during the 90 minutes, they were unable to do so, mainly due to Roberto Martínez’s playing system in this match.

This system made things complicated for Spain, especially for their attacking key players, despite conceding two goals.

Portugal’s plan helped limit Spain’s very efficient and dangerous attacking ideas and their players’ individual threats.

One of the players affected by Martínez’s defensive tactics was the new star Lamine Yamal, who struggled to beat Nuno Mendes in duels.

In this tactical analysis article, we will explore how Roberto Martínez and his A Seleção side resisted La Furia Rojas experience and very dangerous possession-based attack, rectifying the mistakes made in the first half to take the game to penalties.

The analysis will also focus on the new Mendes-Rafael Leão duo and why Martínez needs to rely on this duo more often.

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2024/2025 UEFA Nations League Final Lineups & Formations

Portugal started the match in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Diogo Costa as goalkeeper, João Neves as right-back, Rúben Dias and Gonçalo Inácioa as centre-backs, and Mendes as left-back.

The four defenders played a huge role in Portugal’s win.

They were very dynamic and succeeded most of the time in following their direct opponents and limiting the opponent’s threat, especially on the wings.

Moreover, both centre-backs were solid enough in terms of duels.

Despite conceding two goals, they played a pivotal role in limiting penetrations from the middle and blocking shooting trajectories and attempts.

That said, Martínez made an error in starting the match with Neves on the right flank, mainly because it was complicated for him to mark a quick winger like Nico Williams in the needed way.

But it counts for Martínez, the fact that he subbed Neves out at the start of the second half and instructed a more powerful defensive right-back, Nélson Semedo, to mark Williams.

That’s why Williams’ impact and threat were less tangible throughout the second half.

In midfield, Martínez preferred to opt for Bernardo Silva and Vitinha as a midfield duo despite having a reliable natural defensive midfielder in the squad, Rúben Neves.

It was not really a fruitful move by Martínez to opt for Silva to start out of position, which limited his attacking input and restricted him to more defensive duties that he does not really master like a natural, experienced defensive midfielder.

But once again, Martínez fixed his error as soon as the second half started by moving Silva to the right wing and substituting Rúben Neves to ensure a more balanced midfield duo.

Another controversial starting line-up choice was opting for Pedro Neto on the left wing and Francisco Conceição on the right wing while leaving a more dangerous left-winger like Rafael Leão on the bench.

This made Portugal lose precious time from an attacking perspective, as Neto’s input on that wing lacked concrete threat, which was comprehensible given that his contribution would have been much more tangible if he had played on the right wing.

This argument was confirmed as soon as Rafael Leão was subbed in since he succeeded in creating a lot of danger on the left-wing thanks to his dribbling skills, speed and penetrations.

Martínez opted for Bruno Fernandes for the advanced playmaker position, with Cristiano Ronaldo playing as a striker despite his injury, before getting subbed by Gonçalo Ramos later in the game.

On the other hand, Luis de la Fuente preferred to start the match according to the 4-3-3 formation with Unai Simón as goalkeeper, Óscar Mingueza as  right-back, Robin Le Normand and Dean Huijsen as centre-backs, and Marc Cucurella as left-back.

In midfield, he chose the trio Martín Zubimendi, Pedri, and Fabián Ruiz to maintain a balanced midfield.

That said, Isco could have been subbed in much earlier to add some remarkable playmaking quality and upgrade Spain’s attacking attempts.

One of Spain’s most powerful attacking weapons were the two wingers Yamal and Williams, with Mikel Oyarzabal playing as a striker.

Portugal High Pressing Strategy

Portugal’s performance was marked by a rigorous and organised high pressing plan that Martínez used to alleviate Spain’s build-up from the back and limit their ball progression in midfield.

Portugals players applied this continuous high pressing with discipline and intensity throughout the match.

They were alwa