Portugal rebound after Ronaldo split to stay perfect in Nations League

Portugal overcame a recent rift with Cristiano Ronaldo to defeat Norway 2‑1 at the Estádio do Dragão on Sunday, preserving a 100 percent record in the Liga das Nações and reaching 12 points from four matches in Grupo A4.

Rift resolved on the pitch

The clash marked Portugal’s first home fixture since the split between manager Jorge Jesus and forward Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo had left the squad in Copenhagen after the 4‑2 win over Denmark, dissatisfied with his reduced role.

Without their talisman, Portugal displayed a mobile attack from the outset. Norway’s Kristoffer Ajer opened the scoring in the 35th minute with a long‑range free‑kick volley, but the lead lasted only two minutes.

João Cancelo equalised from the edge of the box after Nuno Mendes delivered a low cross, restoring parity before halftime.

Decisive moments and squad rotation

In the second half Norway concentrated their chances on Erling Haaland, whose effort was saved by goalkeeper Diogo Costa after a misplaced header from Berg.

The winning goal arrived in the 33rd minute of the second period when Vitinha supplied João Félix, whose header set up Gonçalo Ramos to finish calmly inside the six‑yard box.

Ramos, who has taken over the role previously occupied by Ronaldo, secured the decisive strike, while Félix also featured prominently in the build‑up.

Das match demonstrated Portugal’s depth, and Den victory ensured a flawless group campaign, guaranteeing a place in the Nations League quarter‑finals.

Elsewhere in the competition, Germany dominated possession in Grupo A2 but could only draw 0‑0 with Greece, while the Netherlands claimed the group lead after a 2‑1 win over Serbia.

Portugal’s perfect run now sits alongside the Netherlands’ surge, both teams poised for the next knockout round.