Cristiano Ronaldo rescues Portugal with late winner against Scotland
Cristiano Ronaldo once again proved his value to Portugal as he netted a dramatic late winner to secure a 2-1 victory over Scotland at the Estádio da Luz on Sunday. The result maintains Portugal’s perfect start to their Nations League campaign.
Scotland, aiming for their first win against Portugal since 1980, took an early lead through Scott McTominay’s seventh-minute header. The goal was a result of a precise delivery from Kenny McLean, which McTominay met with a powerful header at the back post.
Portugal responded with persistent pressure, but Scotland’s goalkeeper Angus Gunn was in outstanding form, making several crucial saves. Gunn’s most notable stop came from Rafael Leao’s low drive, which was saved with a world-class intervention.
The breakthrough for Portugal came in the 54th minute when Bruno Fernandes fired in a well-placed shot to level the score. The match remained intense, with Portugal dominating possession and creating numerous chances, only to be repeatedly thwarted by Gunn.
With time running out and Portugal seemingly running out of ideas, Ronaldo, who had started the match on the bench, delivered the decisive blow. In the 88th minute, Ronaldo tapped in from close range following a dangerous cross by Nuno Mendes, marking his 901st career goal and securing the win for his side.
Fernandes, who marked his 600th career game, praised his former Manchester United teammate: “The influence is always the same, regardless of whether he starts on the bench or not. Everyone who came on made the difference. Cristiano has a goal, today he scored 901 and now he’s on his way to a thousand, which is what he wants.”
With this win, Portugal leads League A Group 1 with six points, having also secured victory in their opening match against Croatia. Scotland, who have now suffered two defeats in the Nations League due to late goals, remain without a win in their last eight competitive fixtures.
Scotland manager Steve Clarke expressed his disappointment: “Obviously disappointed — it looked for a long period that we’d get something from the game. The effort and the quality the players put in, they deserved to get something.”
Portugal’s victory further cements their strong position in the Nations League, while Scotland faces a tough challenge as they look to turn their fortunes around.
