Portugal beat Norway 2-1 in Nations League, Ronaldo stays on bench

Portugal secured a 2-1 victory over Norway in the Nations League on Sunday as Cristiano Ronaldo remained an unused substitute, Punch reports.

As reported by BBC Sport, João Félix gave Portugal the lead with his second goal in as many games before Erling Haaland levelled early in the second half — his 65th goal for Norway and 22nd in the Nations League, extending his record as the competition’s all-time top scorer.

Portugal quickly regained the advantage after Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland played the ball straight to Gonçalo Ramos, who calmly chipped him to make it 2-1, with Ramos later seeing a second goal ruled out for offside following another Nyland error.

Ronaldo, 41, watched from the bench throughout as he continues his pursuit of 1,000 career goals, remaining 21 short of the milestone, while Portugal were also without injured captain Bruno Fernandes.

The win gave Portugal two victories from two in the campaign, leaving Norway to rue their goalkeeper’s costly mistakes as the group stage takes shape.