Portugal Beat Norway Despite Ronaldo Starting on the Bench

Portugal maintained their winning start to the UEFA Nations League despite leaving Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench against Norway.

Joao Felix opened the scoring before Erling Haaland equalised for Norway, but Goncalo Ramos restored Portugal’s lead after a costly mistake by goalkeeper Nilad. Portugal eventually secured a 3–1 victory to move top of their Nations League group with six points from two matches.

Portugal coach Jorge Jesus made several changes to his starting XI, with Ronaldo dropped to the bench after missing a number of chances in the previous match. Goncalo Ramos replaced the 41-year-old forward in the starting lineup.

Norway created the first major opportunity in the 13th minute when Haaland received the ball inside the box but failed to generate enough power on his shot. Diogo Costa managed to keep it out.

Portugal took the lead four minutes later. Pedro Neto’s pass from the left was controlled by Joao Felix at the edge of the box before the forward fired a low shot into the net.

Haaland came close again in the 24th minute, but Ruben Dias blocked his effort. Costa then denied another header from Norway’s record goalscorer before the break.

Norway finally found the equaliser in the 51st minute. Martin Odegaard’s free-kick caused problems for Costa, and after Patrick Berg helped keep the move alive, Haaland finished from close range.

It was Haaland’s 65th international goal in his 57th appearance after scoring twice against Denmark in Norway’s previous match.

Portugal responded quickly, however. A poor pass from goalkeeper Nilad outside the box was intercepted by Goncalo Ramos, who calmly lifted the ball over the stranded goalkeeper to restore Portugal’s lead.

Ramos had earlier scored another goal after capitalising on a mistake by Nilad, but the effort was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.

Norway dominated possession with more than 60 percent of the ball and registered 22 shots, six of them on target. Portugal managed 12 attempts, with four on target.

Norway pushed hard for another equaliser during the final 20 minutes but could not find a way through.

The victory gives Portugal six points from two matches and puts them at the top of the group. Norway remain on three points, while Denmark also have three after beating Wales 2–0. Wales are still without a point.