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Ronaldo left on the bench as Portugal beat Norway

5 October 2026·5 min read·Manuela Fernández
Ronaldo left on the bench as Portugal beat Norway

Portugal continued their perfect start to the UEFA Nations League with a win over Norway; Erling Haaland scored but it was not enough while Cristiano Ronaldo remained an unused substitute.

Ronaldo left on the bench as Portugal beat Norway

By Sports.

Context

Cristiano Ronaldo is currently in the process of chasing his 1,000 career goals, but in this match he remained unused on the bench. His presence in the squad is important, but the lack of goals from him in recent matches has emphasized Portugal's need to rely on other players to achieve success in the UEFA Nations League.

Why it matters

Portugal's win over Norway cements their position in the UEFA Nations League, giving them a 100% record in the current edition. Norway's goalkeeper mistakes had a big impact on the result, allowing Portugal to get their second win in two games. The good form of João Félix and Gonçalo Ramos gave a positive outlook for Portugal's season outlook.

Key Points

  • Ronaldo left on the bench as Portugal beat Norway.
  • Portugal picked up their second win in the UEFA Nations League after defeating Norway, 2-1, in a game where Erling Haaland scored but goalkeeper errors nailed the decision in favor of the Lusitanos.
  • Ronaldo left on bench as Portugal beat Norway - Yahoo Sports.
Portugal continued their perfect start to the current edition of the UEFA Nations League after recording a second win in two games, overcoming Norway at the end of a fierce match that ended 2-1. Although the visitor had a clear attempt, the foundation of Portugal's success was rooted in the mistakes of the opponent. The scoring started when João Félix opened the scoring for Portugal, a serious testament to his fine form after it was his second goal in consecutive games for the team. Norway responded in the second half when Erling Haaland put the ball in, marking his 65th international goal for Norway. Haaland's goal was his 22nd in Nations League history, continuing his reign as the competition's top scorer. But it wasn't long before — three minutes after the score was tied — Portugal took the lead after a serious mistake from Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland. Nyland passed the ball straight to Gonçalo Ramos, who successfully showed composure and chipped in to put Portugal up 2-1. After that, Ramos had another chance after a deflected throw from Rafael Leão hit the post.
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There was also controversy in the game when a Ramos strike was ruled out by VAR for offside — it was caught by the video assistant's decision after another mishandling from Nyland led to the attack. A big headline before and after the end of the game was Cristiano Ronaldo's absence from the pitch; left him as an unused substitute and will continue his quest for the massive milestone of 1,000 career goals — he currently needs 21 goals to reach that goal. Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was also left out of the lineup due to an injury issue, according to the report. Portugal's win cements their position in the group and boosts confidence as the competition continues. For Norway, having a player like Haaland was a clear asset, but mistakes in defense and in the goalkeeper became a key factor in why they couldn't get the equalizer. All in all, an exciting night for international football — Portugal showed aggressive finishing and a willingness to take advantage of an opponent's mistake, while Norway showed attacking potential but needs to fix defensive lapses to be more competitive in the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches.

What's next

In the next matches, the contribution of players like João Félix and Gonçalo Ramos is expected to continue to be important in building momentum for Portugal in the UEFA Nations League. The presence of Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench has highlighted his current situation, while his desire to reach the milestone of 1,000 goals will continue to be a story in the future. The next matches will be critical in their aim to win the title in the competition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the score of the match between Portugal and Norway?

The match ended with a score of 2-1 in favor of Portugal.

What effect does Portugal's win have on their standings in the UEFA Nations League?

The win continued Portugal's perfect start to the current edition of the UEFA Nations League, with two wins in two games.

Who scored the goals for Portugal against Norway?

João Félix and Gonçalo Ramos scored the goals for Portugal.

What is Portugal's next match in the UEFA Nations League?

There is no information about Portugal's next UEFA Nations League match in the given context.

How many international goals does Erling Haaland have after the match?

Erling Haaland has a total of 65 international goals for Norway after the match.

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Mga Madalas na Itanong

What was the score of the match between Portugal and Norway?
The match ended with a score of 2-1 in favor of Portugal.
What effect does Portugal's win have on their UEFA Nations League standings?
The win continued Portugal's perfect start to the current edition of the UEFA Nations League, with two wins in two games.
Who scored the goals for Portugal against Norway?
João Félix and Gonçalo Ramos scored the goals for Portugal.
What is Portugal's next match in the UEFA Nations League?
There is no information about Portugal's next match in the UEFA Nations League in the given context.
How many international goals did Erling Haaland have after the match?
Erling Haaland has a total of 65 international goals for Norway after the match.
What is the next fixture to watch?
Fans should follow the involved clubs' upcoming schedules as coaches react to this result in their preparation.
TeamsUEFA Nations LeaguePortugalNorwayLa TriManchester UnitedCristiano RonaldoErling HaalandJoao FelixGoncalo RamosRafael LeaoBruno Fernandes

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