Goncalo Ramos stepped up in place of Cristiano Ronaldo and scored the decisive goal as Portugal defeated Norway 2-1 in Oslo on Sunday to make it back-to-back victories in their UEFA Nations League title defence.
Ramos started ahead of Ronaldo, who remained an unused substitute throughout the match, as Jorge Jesus’ side followed Thursday’s 1-0 victory over Wales with another win in Group A4.
The 41-year-old Ronaldo was named among the substitutes for the first time for Portugal since a Nations League game against Scotland in September 2024, with Jesus managing his minutes during the extended international break.
Ramos made the opportunity count, scoring his 12th international goal and producing an energetic performance as Portugal held off a strong Norway side.
“Every moment is important. The most important thing is to show what I can do whenever I’m called upon and to contribute to the team,” Ramos told Sport TV.
“It was a demonstration of my work, of what I can offer the team — not just goals, but everything I do on the pitch.”
João Félix gives Portugal early lead
Norway, who reached the World Cup quarter-finals, had chances to take control but were wasteful in front of goal after opening their Nations League campaign with a 3-2 victory over Denmark.
Erling Haaland had Norway’s first major opportunity after being picked out by Martin Odegaard, but his attempted volley lacked the required connection and Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa made the save.
Portugal punished the miss in the 17th minute when João Félix produced a composed finish from the edge of the box, sending the ball into the bottom corner to put the visitors ahead.
Haaland then came close to an equaliser after Costa spilled the ball into his path, but Portugal defender Ruben Dias produced an important block.
Costa denied Haaland again before half-time, making an excellent save from the Manchester City striker’s downward header.
Haaland levels, Ramos restores Portugal lead
Haaland eventually found the equaliser six minutes into the second half, tapping the ball home after Patrick Berg’s header across goal.
Portugal responded almost immediately.
Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland passed the ball directly to Ramos, who calmly chipped it into the net to restore Portugal’s lead in the 54th minute.
Rafael Leão later saw his effort deflected onto the crossbar as Portugal looked to extend its advantage.
Ramos thought he had scored another goal when he capitalised on a long pass and an error from Nyland, reaching the ball before the goalkeeper and rolling it into an empty net.
However, a VAR review ruled out the effort for a tight offside.
Norway pushed forward in the closing stages, with goalkeeper Nyland also joining the attack, but Portugal held firm to secure the 2-1 victory and maintain its perfect start to the Nations League campaign.
The result also gave Portugal a strong response following its World Cup last-16 defeat by Spain, having already beaten Wales 1-0 earlier in the international break.