Portugal left Oslo with a 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway, overcoming Erling Haaland’s latest international goal to take sole command of Group A4 with six points from two matches. At Ullevaal Stadion, Cristiano Ronaldo watched from the bench for the first time with Portugal in two years as Jorge Jesus’s side found enough control, pace and resilience to withstand a fierce Norwegian finish.
There was no direct duel between Ronaldo and Haaland. The Norwegian started and struck his 65th goal in 57 appearances for his country, while Portugal’s captain was held in reserve. Instead, João Félix and Gonçalo Ramos supplied the visitors’ goals, with Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland enduring a costly evening.
Portugal seize an early hold
Norway created the first major opening after 15 minutes. Martin Odegaard clipped a fine pass into Haaland’s path, leaving the striker free, but his finish lacked conviction and Diogo Costa blocked with his body.
Portugal had begun with confidence, however, and turned a swift break into the opening goal two minutes later. Nuno Mendes escaped three opponents to launch the move, Pedro Neto delivered from the left, and João Félix brought the ball under control on the edge of the area before guiding a composed shot beyond Nyland.
It was the second match in succession in which João Félix had scored, following his winner in Thursday’s 1-0 success against Wales.
Norway’s response was driven by Antonio Nusa, who repeatedly troubled João Cancelo. Cancelo was booked while attempting to halt the winger, while Odegaard continued to shape the home side’s attacks. From one of his deliveries, Diogo Costa made an initial save and Rúben Dias then denied Haaland from close range.
The first half remained open at both ends. Francisco Conceição and João Félix tested Nyland from distance, while Nusa twice got past Cancelo and supplied crosses that Haaland headed towards goal, only for Diogo Costa to keep Portugal ahead.
Haaland levels, Ramos answers
Norway returned from the interval with greater urgency and were level in the 55th minute. Odegaard’s free-kick was kept out by Diogo Costa, Patrick Berg headed the loose ball on, and Haaland was on hand to finish from close range.
The equaliser briefly suggested that Norway might take control, but Nyland’s decision-making soon swung the contest back towards Portugal. Three minutes after Haaland’s goal, the former Sevilla goalkeeper came well outside his area and played the ball straight to Gonçalo Ramos. The forward responded with a deft lob to restore Portugal’s lead.
Portugal could have extended their advantage almost immediately. Rafael Leão’s effort, diverted by Fredrik Aursnes, struck the crossbar, and Ramos sent the rebound wide with the goal at his mercy.
Nyland was involved again when Diogo Costa’s long clearance invited him out of his box. Ramos reached the ball first as the goalkeeper missed his attempted clearance and rolled it into the empty net. VAR, though, ruled the striker offside and the second Ramos goal did not stand.
That decision gave Norway a final opening, and the hosts spent the closing stages pressing for another equaliser. Portugal’s defence and Diogo Costa held firm, leaving Haaland’s milestone strike insufficient to prevent a home defeat and sending the European champions to the top of their Nations League section.
