Portugal's Bernardo Silva sparks fury with Norway captain Martin Odegaard in Oslo

Under the floodlights of Oslo’s Ullevaal Stadium, Norway’s captain Martin Odegaard clutched his ankle as a late challenge from Portugal’s Bernardo Silva unfolded in stoppage time of Sunday’s Nations League match.

Spat erupts after the whistle

The ankle‑targeting tackle earned Silva a yellow card, but it also sparked a heated exchange. Odegaard was captured shouting an English expletive at the 32‑year‑old, his voice echoing across the pitch as he limped toward the team bus.

“This has no place on a football pitch,” Odegaard told Norwegian broadcaster TV2, his words punctuated by the pain still evident more than an hour after the final whistle.

Premier League rivalry resurfaces

The incident revived a rivalry forged in the Premier League, where Silva left Manchester City for Real Madrid in the summer after nine seasons that yielded six league titles.

Silva, a former Manchester City star, initially brushed off the confrontation, replying “What tackle?” in a clip shared by Nettavisen, before adding, “It’s football, my friend.”

Odegaard, now Arsenal’s captain, had previously faced Silva’s City side in title‑deciding campaigns, finishing runners‑up in 2023 and 2024 before leading Arsenal to a league triumph.

Both clubs sit atop the Premier League table early this season, a backdrop that underscores the intensity of their players’ personal histories.

Portugal secured a 2‑1 victory in Oslo, a result that may set the stage for a return encounter in Lisbon on Sunday, where the two sides could meet again in the group stage.