Portugal vs Spain tips and predictions: Cristiano Ronaldo eyes glory in all-Iberian Nations League final

Portugal state of play

Veteran superstar Cristiano Ronaldo bagged his 137th international goal on Wednesday as Portugal booked their place in the Nations League final. 

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid ace found the net in the second half as Portugal edged past Germany with a 2-1 win. It was their first competitive victory over Germany since Euro 2000. 

Portugal won the first Nations League tournament in 2019 and Roberto Martinez, who has been in charge since 2013, will be eager to write his own chapter in the history books. 

But as is often the case, all eyes look set to be locked on Ronaldo. At 40 years old, the striker is remarkably still performing at the highest level. 

"It's difficult to put into words. He takes each day as an opportunity to get better," said Martinez after the Germany clash. 

"As a human, when you have success, you wake up and you have less hunger. But not Cristiano."

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Spain state of play 

Spain secured their place in the final after a thrilling 5-4 win over France. Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal bagged a brace. Nico Williams, Mikel Merino and Pedri also got their names on the score sheet. 

However, Luis de la Fuente’s side almost collapsed in a spectacular fashion having been in cruise control. An own goal from Dani Vivian and a late strike from Kolo Muani left Spain rocking as the clock ticked. 

"It was a crazy game," said Arsenal ace Merino, who found the net in the first half. "Not the best game for the coaches - nobody wants to concede so many goals - but an amazing game for the fans." 

Make no mistake, there will be question marks about a defence that let in four goals - and a team who almost capitulated having raced to a 5-1 lead. 

De la Fuente has put his faith in youth and there’s clear pros and cons to that strategy. Spain’s oldest player against France was 28, and the team had an average age of just 24.

Key talking point: Will Ronaldo keep silencing the doubters? 

Ronaldo scored 35 goals for Al-Nassr last season. However, the Saudi Pro League simply isn't up to European standards regardless of the cash poured into it. Ronaldo's contract with Al-Nassr expires this summer - and it's still not entirely clear where his future lies - but reports have suggested he could remain in the Middle East. 

Eyebrows have been raised by Ronaldo's continued determination to play for his country. It's hard to ignore the stats, though. Since turning 30, Ronaldo has scored 85 goals for Portugal. Only five other players in history have ever scored more than 85 international goals. 

So, as many strikers start to decline in their third decade, Ronaldo has actually managed more goals than the likes of Neymar and Harry Kane have in their entire international careers.

Read: Andorra vs England tips and predictions

FIRST’s top tip for Portugal vs Spain

Ronaldo first goalscorer at 5/1 (Betway)

Ronaldo's cool finish against Germany was his 937th strike at all levels and he should be buoyed by the triumph over Julian Nagelsmann's side. 

Ronaldo's goalscoring record against Germany was actually pretty poor by his own standards with just one goal in five meetings, a total of 450 minutes. That is now two in 540 minutes. 

Ronaldo isn't a player who suffers from crises of confidence, but finding the net in midweek will have given him a spring in his step ahead of the Munich showpiece. 

Extra tips

Mikel Merino anytime goalscorer 3/1 at (Betway)

The Arsenal midfielder was on the score sheet against France on Thursday and has begun to develop a poacher’s instinct since being played as an auxiliary striker in north London.

Always a danger from set pieces, the 28-year-old managed a career best of nine goals in all competitions this season. 

Bruno Fernandes red card 50/1 at (BetMGM)

The Manchester United midfielder doesn’t have the best disciplinary record in the Premier League. He was sent off twice this season and received six yellow cards. 

In the Europa League the experienced playmaker was also given his marching orders against Porto. 

Team News

Portugal made a trio of changes just shy of the hour mark against Germany, but they were tactical tweaks rather than injury concerns. Trincao, Joao Neves and Ruben Neves all made way early in the second half. PSG midfielder Neves played in the Champions League final last weekend. 

Spain boss De la Fuente withdrew Athletic Bilbao ace and long-term Arsenal target Nico Williams after 64 minutes against France. However, there was no suggestion that the switch was due to an injury.  

Portugal vs Spain predicted line-ups

Portugal: Costa; Dalot, A.Silva, Dias, Mendes; J.Neves, Vitinha; B.Silva, Fernandes, Leao; Ronaldo (4-2-3-1)

Spain: Unai Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Huijsen, Cucurella; Zubimendi, Ruiz; Yamal, Olmo, Williams; Morata (4-2-3-1)

Form guide (all competitions)

Portugal: LWWWDWDLWW

Spain: WDWWWWWDDW

Odds correct at the time of writing.