Portugal beat Norway 2-1 in Oslo on Sunday, September 27, to make it two wins from two in the UEFA Nations League. The result also ended Norway’s long unbeaten run at home and came on a night when Cristiano Ronaldo remained on the bench for the full 90 minutes.
João Félix opened the scoring in the 17th minute before Erling Haaland equalised shortly after half-time. Gonçalo Ramos restored Portugal’s lead three minutes later after capitalising on a mistake from Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland.
Ronaldo’s Absence Becomes The Talking Point
Ronaldo’s place on the bench was one of the biggest stories before kick-off. The 41-year-old had started Portugal’s opening Nations League match against Wales but was rested against Norway as Jorge Jesus managed his minutes during a demanding international window.
Jesus had reportedly planned to introduce Ronaldo in the second half. However, the coach said the flow of the match changed his thinking, particularly after Ramos had given Portugal the lead again.
It was the first time since September 2024 that Ronaldo had been named among Portugal’s substitutes, and he did not enter the match. More significantly, it ended an 18-year run in which he had appeared in every Portugal match either as a starter or substitute.
Ramos made the decision easier to justify on the pitch. His goal was his 12th for Portugal and gave Jesus another option at centre-forward as the manager manages Ronaldo’s involvement.
Norway’s Home Run Comes to an End
The victory was also significant for Portugal because Norway had built a strong record at Ullevaal Stadium.
Norway had gone 15 consecutive home matches without defeat before Portugal arrived, recording 11 wins and four draws during that run. Portugal ended that sequence with a disciplined defensive display despite Norway creating several chances.
Haaland still managed to score his 65th international goal, but Portugal held on to take all three points.
Bernardo Silva and Ødegaard Clash Late On
The match ended with controversy when Bernardo Silva was booked after a late challenge on Norway captain Martin Ødegaard.
Ødegaard reacted angrily, arguing that Silva’s tackle came after the ball had gone and was unnecessary. Silva appeared to play down the incident afterwards, treating it as part of the physical nature of football.
For Portugal, however, the main outcome was another three points. The team now has a perfect start to its Nations League title defence, while Jesus faces another selection decision ahead of Portugal’s next match.
The Ronaldo question will remain, but Ramos’ performance has given the Portugal coach another reason to trust his squad beyond its veteran captain.
