Ronaldo Benched as Ramos Fires Portugal to 2-1 Win Over Norway
Cristiano Ronaldo remained on the bench as Gonçalo Ramos scored the winner in Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway in Oslo.
Cristiano Ronaldo was left on the bench for the entire match as Portugal defeated Norway 2-1 in Oslo on Sunday, September 27, 2026, continuing their perfect start to the UEFA Nations League title defence.
Gonçalo Ramos stepped into the spotlight in Ronaldo’s absence, scoring the decisive goal shortly after Erling Haaland had equalised for Norway. João Félix had earlier put Portugal ahead, while goalkeeper Diogo Costa produced several important saves to help the visitors secure three points.
The result gave Portugal two wins from two matches in Group A4 after their 1-0 victory over Wales in the opening round. UEFA's official matchday report confirmed Ramos' winning lob as Portugal's decisive moment in Oslo.
Ronaldo Starts from the Bench
Ronaldo's omission from the starting XI was one of the biggest talking points before kick-off. The 41-year-old Portugal captain was named among the substitutes but did not enter the game.
According to reports, this was the first time since September 2024 that Ronaldo had been named as a substitute for Portugal in a competitive match. More significantly, he completed a competitive international fixture without playing a single minute for the first time in more than 18 years. (Bolavip)
Portugal manager Jorge Jesus explained that the decision was connected to managing Ronaldo's workload during a demanding international period. Ronaldo had played almost 70 minutes in Portugal's 1-0 win over Wales three days earlier.
Jesus said he had initially considered bringing Ronaldo on for the final half-hour, but the development of the Norway match changed his plans. The manager explained that Ramos was performing well and that he did not believe replacing him with another striker was necessary. (A Bola)
The decision therefore appeared to be a match-management choice rather than an indication that Ronaldo had been removed from Jesus' plans.
João Félix Gives Portugal the Lead
Portugal started brightly and took the lead in the 17th minute through João Félix.
The forward collected the ball around the edge of the penalty area before producing a precise finish into the bottom corner. The goal continued Félix's productive start under Jesus and gave Portugal an early advantage.
Norway, however, responded with considerable attacking pressure.
Erling Haaland had several opportunities to equalise before the interval, but Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa repeatedly denied the Manchester City striker. Costa's saves proved particularly important as Norway created dangerous situations despite falling behind.
Norway entered the match after beating Denmark 3-2 in their opening Nations League fixture and were looking to maintain their momentum at home. Their official tournament schedule shows that they had begun Group A4 with that victory before facing Portugal.
Haaland Finally Finds the Equaliser
Haaland eventually got his goal six minutes after half-time.
Martin Ødegaard's free-kick caused problems in the Portuguese penalty area, and Costa could only parry the ball into danger. Patrick Berg headed the loose ball across goal, allowing Haaland to finish from close range.
The equaliser appeared to give Norway renewed momentum, but Portugal responded almost immediately.
Ramos Punishes Goalkeeping Error
Ramos restored Portugal's lead just minutes after Norway's equaliser.
Norwegian goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland played the ball directly into the path of Ramos outside the penalty area. The Portugal forward reacted quickly, taking advantage of the error before calmly lifting the ball over the goalkeeper and into the net.
It was Ramos' 12th international goal and came on a night when he had been selected to lead Portugal's attack instead of Ronaldo. (Telegraph)
The goal proved decisive.
Ramos later appeared to have scored another goal after getting behind the Norwegian defence, but a VAR review ruled it out for offside. Rafael Leão also came close to extending Portugal's advantage when his effort was deflected onto the crossbar.
Norway pushed forward in the closing stages, with goalkeeper Nyland even moving into the attacking area as the hosts searched for another equaliser. Portugal, however, held on.
Ronaldo's Unusual Night
The match produced an unusual sight for Portuguese football fans, with Ronaldo watching the entire contest from the sidelines.
After the final whistle, reports said Ronaldo headed down the tunnel while his teammates went across to acknowledge the travelling Portuguese supporters. The incident generated additional discussion, although there was no indication from Jesus that Ronaldo had been removed from his plans for upcoming matches. (Goal)
Jesus said Ronaldo was physically available to play and indicated that the captain could return for Portugal's next fixture against Denmark.
Ronaldo remains Portugal's record international goalscorer, with UEFA listing him at 146 goals from 234 appearances as of September 24, 2026.
Portugal Maintain Perfect Start
The victory leaves Portugal with six points from two Group A4 matches.
They opened their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Wales on September 24, when Félix also scored the only goal. UEFA's official results confirm Portugal's two victories and list Denmark as their next opponent on October 1.
Norway, meanwhile, remain on three points after their opening victory over Denmark.
Portugal's win in Oslo was also significant because Norway had entered the match after reaching the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup and had demonstrated their attacking strength through Haaland and an experienced midfield led by Ødegaard.
For Jesus, the result provides another positive step in the early stages of his tenure. For Ramos, it was an opportunity to demonstrate his value when called upon.
And for Ronaldo, the night represented an unusual chapter in an extraordinary international career: watching Portugal complete a competitive victory without taking the field.
The Portugal manager's comments suggest the situation should not automatically be interpreted as a permanent change in Ronaldo's role. With Denmark next on October 1 and Norway scheduled to visit Portugal on October 4, there will be further opportunities for the veteran captain to return to the action.