Portugal’s Nations League journey continued with a hard-earned 2-1 win over Norway, a night in which Cristiano Ronaldo remained unused while a costly mistake from goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland decided the contest. The result gave Portugal a second successive victory and left them alone at the top of Group D on six points.
The early exchanges carried the restless shape of a match between two sides willing to attack. João Neves sent a header wide in the 11th minute, while Patrick Berg tested the Portuguese defence with a rising effort from inside the area.
Portugal found their opening five minutes later. João Félix, now with Al Nassr, broke forward from the left and finished with precision to put his side ahead. Norway had a sight of goal through Torbjørn Heggem before the interval, but his attempt lacked direction, and Portugal reached the break protecting their narrow lead.
A brief Norwegian revival, then Nyland’s punishment
Norway returned with greater force after half-time and drew level in the 51st minute. A set-piece created uncertainty in the Portuguese box: the initial save did not clear the danger, Patrick Berg recovered possession and supplied Erling Haaland, who finished from close range.
The equaliser had barely settled when Portugal regained control. Nyland’s attempted distribution presented Gonçalo Ramos with the ball, and the forward calmly lifted his finish over the goalkeeper to restore Portugal’s advantage.
There was another difficult moment for Nyland later on, when a long ball carried beyond the Norwegian back line and Ramos again found himself through on goal. He put the ball in the net after rounding the goalkeeper, but the effort was ruled out.
Portugal nevertheless saw out the 2-1 result without needing Ronaldo from the bench. Norway remain second in the section with three points, level with Denmark, while Wales are bottom without a point.
- Portugal — 6 points
- Norway — 3 points
- Denmark — 3 points
- Wales — 0 points
