Throughout the regular time and the additional 30 minutes, neither goalkeeper faced significant challenges, making it the first time a Nations League final had reached such a stage. Unai Simon emerged as the hero for Spain, saving penalty kicks from Lovro Majer and Bruno Petkovic, thwarting Croatia's aspirations of an elusive international title.
Following Italy's thrilling 3-2 victory over the Netherlands in the third-place playoff, the first half of the final was comparatively tame. Both teams probed for openings but struggled to make progress. In the 12th minute, Spain's Gavi had the first genuine opportunity as they applied relentless pressure on Croatia, but his shot from 20 yards narrowly missed the far post.
Croatia failed to exploit Spain's high defensive line, while Luka Modric led their attempts to seize control as the first half neared its end. With 39 minutes gone, Modric delivered a deep cross to the back post, met by Ivan Perisic, whose header posed no threat to Simon. Just three minutes later, Alvaro Morata rose highest to meet a cross from Jordi Alba but headed harmlessly over the bar. Spain wasted a free-kick routine on the stroke of half-time, denying them their first shot on target before the break.
In the 51st minute, Croatia's right-back Josip Juranovic flashed a cross-cum-shot across the face of the goal from just outside the six-yard box, failing to trouble the Spanish defense. The end-to-end action continued as Alba delivered another inviting ball from the left in the 57th minute, but Marco Asensio headed over the goal. In the 65th minute, Rodri attempted a long-range effort for Spain, but his powerful strike sailed wide of the post.
The introductions of Ansu Fati from Barcelona and Joselu, soon-to-be a Real Madrid attacker, injected life into Spain's attack. In the 84th minute, Fati registered Spain's first shot on target, but his goal-bound strike from inside the box was cleared off the line by Perisic. With no breakthrough in sight, the match entered extra time, with chances becoming scarce as fatigue set in.
Nacho Fernandez made a crucial last-ditch tackle to deny Majer from breaking the deadlock in the 100th minute. Concern arose for Spain when Nacho required medical attention, considering all substitutions had been used. However, the Real Madrid captain was able to continue for the second period of extra time.
Spain intensified their pressure in the final 15 minutes, but the match ultimately came down to a penalty shootout. Croatia aimed to secure their fifth consecutive shootout victory, while Spain sought to end a streak of three penalty-decider defeats. After a brief confrontation between the two benches, possibly stemming from the tension of extra time, the teams prepared for the spot-kicks.
Unai Simon showcased his skills by denying Majer's penalty after six flawless conversions. Asensio and Perisic followed with successful penalties. Aymeric Laporte had the opportunity to secure glory for La Roja, but his effort struck the bar, leading to sudden death.
However, Laporte's relief was joyous when Simon replicated his heroics against Petkovic. Finally, Dani Carvajal delivered a sublime penalty that eluded Livakovic's reach, shattering Croatian hearts once again.
