Portugal continued their perfect start to the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Norway at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo.
João Félix opened the scoring for the defending champions before Erling Haaland equalised early in the second half. However, Gonçalo Ramos capitalised on a costly mistake by Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland to restore Portugal’s lead just three minutes later.
Despite the match being promoted as a potential battle between Cristiano Ronaldo and Haaland, Portugal coach Jorge Jesus left the 41-year-old captain on the bench throughout the contest.
The victory gave Portugal six points from their opening two matches and kept them at the top of League A Group 4. UEFA’s official schedule confirms that Portugal began their campaign by beating Wales 1-0, while Norway had recorded a 3-2 win over Denmark.
João Félix Gives Portugal the Lead
Norway created the first major opportunity when Martin Ødegaard picked out Haaland, but the striker failed to make clean contact with his volley. Portugal quickly punished the miss.
In the 17th minute, Pedro Neto helped move the ball into João Félix’s path near the edge of the penalty area. Félix kept his composure and guided a precise finish into the bottom corner to give Portugal a 1-0 lead.
It was Félix’s second goal in as many Nations League matches, underlining his importance to Jorge Jesus’ new-look attack.
Norway responded positively. Haaland almost equalised after Diogo Costa spilled the ball inside the penalty area, but Rúben Dias produced an excellent block to deny his Manchester City teammate. Costa later redeemed himself with a strong save from Haaland’s downward header.
Haaland Scores His 65th Norway Goal
Norway continued attacking after the break and found the equaliser in the 51st minute.
Patrick Berg directed a header across the face of goal, allowing Haaland to score from close range. It was the striker’s 65th international goal in only 57 appearances for Norway, extending his remarkable scoring record.
Haaland’s finish briefly brought the home side level, but Portugal responded almost immediately.
Gonçalo Ramos Punishes Nyland’s Error
Only three minutes after Norway’s equaliser, goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland attempted to play the ball out from the back but passed it directly to Gonçalo Ramos.
The Portugal striker reacted quickly and calmly lifted the ball over the stranded goalkeeper to make it 2-1.
Ramos, who started ahead of Ronaldo, also appeared to score again later in the match after beating Nyland to a long pass and rolling the ball into an empty net. However, VAR ruled out the goal for a narrow offside.
Rafael Leão came close to extending Portugal’s advantage when his deflected effort struck the crossbar. At the other end, Norway applied heavy late pressure but could not find a second equaliser. Reports noted that the hosts registered 20 attempts and eight shots on target, forcing Diogo Costa into several important saves.
Why Did Cristiano Ronaldo Not Play?
Ronaldo was fit and available, but Jesus decided the circumstances did not suit his introduction.
The Portugal coach explained that he had initially planned to bring Ronaldo on during the final half-hour. However, Ramos was playing well, had scored once and had another effort disallowed, so Jesus chose not to change his striker.
As Portugal came under greater pressure, the coach instead introduced players who could provide defensive balance and protect the lead. Jesus also highlighted the demanding international schedule after Ronaldo had played almost 70 minutes against Wales three days earlier.
Ramos justified the decision by scoring his 12th international goal and delivering an energetic performance. After the match, he emphasised the importance of contributing whenever selected—not only through goals but through his overall work for the team.
Portugal Take Control of Group A4
Portugal now have two victories from two matches in their Nations League title defence. Their ability to win in Oslo without relying on Ronaldo also demonstrates the depth available to Jorge Jesus.
Norway will be disappointed after creating enough chances to earn at least a point. Haaland remained dangerous, while Ødegaard and Berg helped the hosts control long periods, but poor finishing and Nyland’s decisive error proved costly.
Before the two nations meet again, Portugal travel to face Denmark on Thursday, 1 October, while Norway visit Wales. The Portugal–Norway rematch will then take place at the Estádio do Dragão on Sunday, 4 October.
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