Spain defeated Portugal in a penalty shootout, 8-7, after a 2-2 draw, to advance to the final of the Finalíssima Intercontinental in Niterói, Brazil, A Bola reported.

The match, a classic Iberian rivalry, was characterized by intense balance and swung decisively in the final minute of regulation time and then again in the shootout. Portugal, seeking to return to the final after winning in Buenos Aires in 2022, will now play for third place on Sunday.

Early Red Card and Tense First Half

The first half was a study in resilience for Portugal. The team started with control but saw its chances disrupted when Rúben Góis was issued a red card in the 18th minute for an aggressive foul on Spanish player Novoa, according to the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF). The incident was reviewed by video support. Despite playing a man down for the final two minutes of the half, Portugal held firm. The teams entered the interval locked in a 0-0 deadlock, with Portugal having weathered the storm and created several promising opportunities.

Portugal’s performance in the opening period was marked by strong defensive work from goalkeeper André Correia and sharp offensive plays. Tomás Paçó and André Coelho both tested Spanish goalkeeper Dídac early on, while Rúben Teixeira went close with a powerful strike. The FPF noted that Portugal was “very better in game” during this stretch, forcing Dídac into several key saves to keep the score level.

Second Half Swings: Spanish Lead and Portuguese Fightback

The second half began with a blow for Portugal. Just 15 seconds after the restart, Spain took the lead. José Antonio Raya’s initial shot deflected off a Portuguese player and found the net, as reported by Record. The goal seemed to stun Portugal, which had looked more composed in the opening exchanges.

However, Portugal responded quickly and emphatically. Rúben Teixeira equalized in the 25th minute, capitalizing on a set-piece situation to level the score. The momentum then fully shifted to the Portuguese side. Thirteen minutes later, they completed a stunning turnaround. Pany Varela delivered a pinpoint pass after a dazzling run along the sideline, setting up Hugo Neves for a clinical finish that put Portugal 2-1 up, according to A Bola. The Record described the goal as a “fantastic collective play” and an “incredible move” that gave Portugal a commanding lead with time running out.

Late Spanish Equalizer Sends Game to Penalties

With the clock winding down and Portugal seemingly in control, Spain threw its goalkeeper forward in a final, desperate push. The gamble paid off. Playing 5-on-4 with less than a minute remaining, Spain found an equalizer. Sergio González finished a precise cross from Rivillos at the back post, scoring with 55 seconds left on the clock to force the shootout, a detail confirmed by both A Bola and Record.

The late goal was a crushing blow to the Portuguese team, which had fought back from a deficit and a man disadvantage only to see its lead evaporated in the final moments. The match, which had been a tense, physical affair throughout, was now to be decided by the nerve of the shooters.

Shootout Drama: Spain Advances

The penalty shootout was a tense affair, with both teams trading successful attempts until the crucial final rounds. Spain’s goalkeeper, Dídac, proved to be the hero for his team, according to the FPF. He saved two penalties, stopping shots from Pany Varela and Lúcio Rocha. In contrast, Portugal’s goalkeeper, André Correia, managed to save one attempt but could not stop the Spanish onslaught.

The shootout concluded with a final score of 8-7 in Spain’s favor. The FPF provided a detailed play-by-play of the shootout, listing each successful and missed attempt, confirming Spain’s victory and their place in the final against the winner of the Brazil-Argentina match.

What’s Next for Portugal

Portugal’s quest to defend its Finalíssima title is over. The team will now focus on the third-place playoff, scheduled for this Sunday at 17:30 local time (21:30 UTC) in Niterói. Their opponent will be the loser of the second semifinal between Brazil and Argentina, a match that took place early on Saturday morning. The final of the tournament will be played on Sunday at 20:30 local time (00:30 UTC Monday).

FAQ

What was the final score of Portugal vs. Spain?

The match ended in a 2-2 draw after regulation time. Spain won the subsequent penalty shootout 8-7 to advance.

Who scored for Portugal?

Rúben Teixeira and Hugo Neves scored Portugal’s two goals in the second half.

Why was Rúben Góis sent off?

Góis received a red card in the 18th minute for an aggressive foul on a Spanish player, as reviewed by video support, according to the FPF.

When and where is Portugal’s next game?

Portugal will play in the third-place playoff on Sunday, November 8, at 17:30 local time (21:30 UTC) at Arena Niterói.