“I don’t look at the game like that” - Portugal star makes interesting claim about Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lamine Yamal battle in Nations League

The UEFA Nations League final has been billed as the Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lamine Yamal battle, a notion dispelled by Portugal midfielder João Neves. The pair of European footballing heavyweights Spain and Portugal will lock horns in the final on Sunday after overcoming France and Germany, respectively, in the semis.

Spain have been in fine form over the last two years, dominating the men's international football scene with their young core. They won the Nations League in 2023 before following it up with an even more impressive triumph in the Euros last summer, with Yamal playing a starring role.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the final Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) gem and UEFA Champions League winner João Neves shared his thoughts on the game. He pointed out that beyond Cristiano Ronaldo and Lamine Yamal, there are two teams that will do battle in the final and it shouldn't be reduced to a matchup between both players.

On Lamine Yamal and Ronaldo: "I don't look at the game like that, it's Portugal against Spain, it's not just Yamal in their team and us too, it's not Cristiano, it's the Portuguese team.”

Joao Neves started at right-back in the win over Germany, having starred in midfield for treble-winning PSG this season. The youngster is expected to feature from the start in the final, where Spain's young guns await.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lamine Yamal both found the net in their respective semi-finals, with the 40-year-old star netting the winner against Germany. Yamal scored twice to help put France to the sword, further cementing his status as a frontunner for the Ballon d'Or this year.

Lamine Yamal shares thoughts on facing Cristiano Ronaldo in UNL final

Spain star Lamine Yamal has spoken about the upcoming game against Portugal in the UEFA Nations League (UNL) final, expressing his desire to win. The prodigy was impressive for La Roja once more, scoring twice as they squeezed past France in the semi-finals of the competition.

Speaking ahead of the final, the Barcelona youngster praised Cristiano Ronaldo as a legend of the game. He pointed out that while he greatly respects the Al-Nassr man, he has no intention of losing on Sunday.

"He's a football legend. I, like all the players, have huge respect for Cristiano. I will do my job, which is to try to win, and that's it."

Yamal has already won three club trophies in the 2024-25 season in addition to the European Championship with Spain last summer. The teenage sensation could help Spain continue their dominance and deny Portugal and Ronaldo a first title since 2019.