Sports
Ronaldo Left on Bench as Portugal Beat Norway 2–1 in Nations League
By Angel No Lie | KPD Online | September 28, 2026
UEFA Nations League • Group A4
Ullevaal • Oslo
Norway
Norway
1
Full-time
Portugal
2
Portugal
Portugal maintained its perfect start to the 2026–27 UEFA Nations League with a 2–1 victory over Norway in Oslo on Sunday, while Cristiano Ronaldo watched the entire match from the substitutes’ bench.
The decision to leave Ronaldo out of the starting lineup was one of the major talking points before kick-off. Portugal coach Jorge Jesus opted to start Gonçalo Ramos instead, explaining that Ronaldo had played around 65–70 minutes against Wales just three days earlier and that managing his workload was part of the plan for the four-match international window.
Cristiano Ronaldo watches from the bench as Portugal defeat Norway 2–1 in Oslo.
João Félix puts Portugal ahead
Portugal took the lead in the first half when João Félix found the net in the 21st minute, giving the visitors a 1–0 advantage at the interval.
Norway responded early in the second half through Erling Haaland, who scored in the 51st minute to bring the hosts level.
Portugal regained the lead only three minutes later. A mistake from Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland presented Ramos with an opportunity, and the Portuguese forward finished with a chip to make it 2–1.
Ronaldo
Ronaldo remains an unused substitute
Ronaldo was listed among Portugal’s substitutes but was not brought onto the field. His absence meant that his pursuit of 1,000 career goals did not advance during the match.
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Ronaldo’s appearance as an unused substitute was notable because he had not spent an entire Portugal match on the bench for more than two years.
Jesus defended the decision after the game, with reports indicating that the Portugal coach intends to continue managing Ronaldo’s minutes rather than treating the omission as a permanent change to his role.
Gonçalo Ramos scores Portugal’s winning goal after replacing Ronaldo in the starting lineup.
Portugal keeps perfect Nations League record
The victory gave Portugal six points from its opening two Group A4 matches, following its 1–0 win over Wales earlier in the international window. Norway, meanwhile, had entered the match after defeating Denmark 3–2 in its opening fixture.
Portugal will now turn its attention to its next Nations League fixture, with Ronaldo expected to remain part of Jesus’ plans as the competition continues.
Match: Norway 1–2 Portugal
Competition: UEFA Nations League, Group A4
Venue: Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo
Date: September 27, 2026
Goals: João Félix 21′, Erling Haaland 51′, Gonçalo Ramos 54′