By Introduction
The rivalry between Portugal and Spain, often called the Iberian Derby, is one of Europe’s oldest and most captivating football contests. Since their first meeting in 1921, the two neighbors have faced each other in friendlies, World Cups, European Championships, and the UEFA Nations League.
Over the years, their clashes have produced historic scorelines, tactical battles, penalty shootouts, and dramatic goals — all adding to the rich history of Iberian football.
Head-to-Head Record
| Matches Played | Spain Wins | Portugal Wins | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| 41 | 17 | 6 | 18 |
Key Matches Timeline
| Date | Competition | Venue | Result | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 Dec 1921 | Friendly | Madrid | Spain 3–1 | First official meeting between the two nations. |
| 26 Jun 1934 | World Cup Qualifier | Madrid | Spain 9–0 | Spain’s biggest ever win over Portugal. |
| 17 Jun 1984 | Euro 1984 Group Stage | Marseille | 1–1 Draw | A balanced contest in the Euros. |
| 20 Jun 2004 | Euro 2004 Group Stage | Lisbon | Portugal 1–0 | Portugal’s first tournament victory over Spain, eliminating them at home. |
| 29 Jun 2010 | World Cup Round of 16 | Cape Town | Spain 1–0 | David Villa’s goal sent Spain through; they later won the World Cup. |
| 27 Jun 2012 | Euro 2012 Semifinal | Donetsk | 0–0 (Spain pens) | Intense semifinal, Spain advanced after penalties. |
| 15 Jun 2018 | World Cup Group Stage | Sochi | 3–3 Draw | Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick rescued Portugal in a thriller. |
| 27 Sep 2022 | Nations League | Braga | Spain 1–0 | Spain’s first win in Portugal in nearly two decades. |
| 8 Jun 2025 | Nations League Final | Munich (Allianz Arena) | 2–2 (Portugal 5–3 pens) | Portugal lifted their second Nations League title after a shootout win. |
Rivalry Highlights
- First Chapter (1921): Spain claimed a 3–1 win in the very first encounter.
- Historic Win (1934): Spain’s 9–0 victory remains the biggest margin in the rivalry.
- Euro 2004: Portugal’s breakthrough, eliminating Spain in Lisbon.
- 2010–2012: Spain edged Portugal in back-to-back knockout games en route to their golden era of titles.
- 2018 World Cup: A 3–3 classic, remembered for Cristiano Ronaldo’s stunning free kick.
- 2025 Nations League Final: Portugal became the first team to win the Nations League twice, triumphing on penalties in Munich.
Conclusion
The Portugal–Spain rivalry has spanned more than a century, shaping some of the greatest footballing memories in Europe. While Spain lead the overall head-to-head, Portugal have carved out defining moments in major tournaments — most recently with their dramatic 2025 Nations League triumph.
Every new encounter writes another chapter in the Iberian Derby, ensuring this rivalry remains one of football’s most thrilling spectacles.
