Gonçalo Alves scored twice, in the 34th and 45th minutes, and was decisive in the victory for the European champions, who also benefited from a contribution from Hélder Nunes in the 39th minute. For Spain, Martí Casas scored in the 18th minute and Iván Morales in the 35th, as the team was twice ahead.

The Iberian duel, a classic of the sport usually reserved for finals, this time emerged in the discussion for third place, an unusual scenario that ended up reflecting the competitive intensity of both teams.

In Portugal's last appearance in the tournament, coach Reinaldo Ventura opted for Pedro Henriques in goal and Gonçalo Alves and Hélder Nunes in the starting five, alongside returning players Zé Miranda and João Rodrigues.

The two Benfica hockey players were responsible for the first shots of the game, but it was Spain that created more scoring opportunities inside the opponent's area in the first half. It was in this way, at 18 minutes, that 'La Roja' took the lead, in a move down the right by Eloi Cervera, finished by Martí Casas, after a defensive lapse by Portugal.

At a disadvantage, the team from Rio Grande do Sul increased the speed of ball circulation in the second half and took more risks in offensive actions, exposing themselves to Spanish counter-attacks. Marc Grau managed to isolate himself, but missed the finish, moments before César Carballeira and Zé Miranda received blue cards.

Portugal adjusted better to this phase of the game and equalised with Gonçalo Alves, in the 34th minute, with a long-range shot, but three minutes later, Iván Morales, also from outside the area, restored Spain's lead. The formula to reach the goal had been found, and Hélder Nunes followed it to the letter, equalising in the 39th minute with a shot from midfield.

It was Portugal's most successful period in the game, and the best was yet to come for Gonçalo Alves. In the 45th minute, the FC Porto hockey player benefited from a direct free kick, feigned a shot and finished with finesse, putting the European champions ahead for the first time. The Spaniards' final risk, replacing the goalkeeper with a fifth outfield player, was of little use.

On the final day of the Montreux International Tournament, also known as the Nations Cup, Switzerland defeated Montreux Hockey 6-3 to secure seventh place, while France beat Angola by the same score to take fifth. Italy and Argentina will face off for the title in the 70th edition of the tournament, in which Portugal holds the record for appearances (25) and wins (21).