Ronaldo spared after disappointing Nations League duel against Wales

Cristiano Ronaldo was substituted early after he failed to score in a Nations League‑duel against Wales on Thursday. The Portuguese star had an evening to quickly forget, but Portugal still secured the first inter‑league victory since the World Cup.

Poor evening for Ronaldo

After the break Ronaldo missed an open goal and saw a goal disallowed for offside. The missed chances kept him away from the magical milestone of a thousand goals. After 67 minutes he was replaced by the new national team coach Jorge Jesus.

Coach Jesus explains substitution

Jesus said at the press conference: “I took him off because I wanted a fresh player on the pitch.” He added that he wanted to defend by pressing forward and make the central defenders of Wales uncomfortable in the build‑up, for which Gonçalo Ramos had the necessary speed.

Joao Felix leads Portugal to victory over Wales

According to Jesus the substitution of Ronaldo was pre‑planned; he admitted that “Cris could have kept playing for another five to ten minutes”, but that he would substitute him “anyway”. Team‑mate Ruben Neves confirmed the decision and praised the contribution of Ronaldo.

Neves said in the mixed zone: “If he doesn’t score, it’s a different match than when he does score. Everyone knows that.” He added that Ronaldo “has done excellent work” and that the goals “will indeed come”.

A critical note came from some media. The Athletic wondered: “Forwards often say you have to worry when chances dry up; Ronaldo doesn’t have to worry in that respect. But what if those chances keep being missed?”