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September 9, 2024

Portugal 2-1 Scotland – Cristiano Ronaldo completes UEFA Nations League comeback win after early Scott McTominay goal

Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed the all-important goals in the second half to salvage Portugal’s 2-1 victory as they hosted Scotland in their UEFA Nations League encounter at the Estadio da Luz. It looked to be a disastrous evening for Roberto Martinez’s side early on after Scott McTominay netted for the visitors in just the eighth minute, but they eventually recovered well.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a late winner two minutes later as Portugal came from a goal down to beat Scotland 2-1.

The 39-year-old, who netted his 900th goal for club and country Thursday night, was on hand to slide home a Nuno Mendes cross to complete a fightback that broke Scotland’s hearts.

Ronaldo was only introduced at half-time after Scott McTominay’s header had given Scotland an early lead.

Portugal dominated the possession and chances but only equalized in the 54th minute when Bruno Fernandes’ effort snuck through goalkeeper Angus Gunn.

As Ronaldo rattled the post twice, Gunn redeemed himself with a fine double-save to deny substitute Joao Felix late.

However, Gunn was helpless as Ronaldo steered home the winning goal.

Scotland’s defeat will feel tougher because referee Maurizio Mariani waved away two penalty claims before the winning goal.

Steve Clarke suffered back-to-back defeats in the Nations League after Poland scored a late penalty to beat them 3-2 on Thursday night.

Meanwhile, Portugal is at the top of the Nations League Group 1 after having won two matches in as many matches as possible.

Scotland is pointless and at the bottom of Group 1, but just three points behind Croatia and Poland.

Talking Point – Cristiano Ronaldo shows class to spark fightback

Portugal boss Roberto Martinez introduced Cristiano Ronaldo from the bench at half-time, and he provided the experience to guide his nation to victory.

After failing to take advantage of their possession and shots on goal during the first half, the hosts looked different with Ronaldo on the pitch.

The 39-year-old watched as Bruno Fernandes leveled and almost assisted Joao Felix with a winner, only for Angus Gunn to make a fine save.

Ronaldo then rattled the post twice in one breathtaking move and went on to find the late winner.

Play of the match – Nuno Mendes (Portugal)

The wing-back was rarely in trouble at the back as he kept Scotland at arm’s length throughout the game.

With the game heading into its final moments, Mendes showed the vision to race forward and provide vital assistance for Ronaldo to tap home from close range.

Player Ratings

Portugal: Costa 7, Semedo 6, Dias 7, A Silva 7, Mendes 8, Fernandes 7, Palhinha 6,

B Silva 7, Neto 6, Jota 6, Leao 7

Subs: Dalot 6, Felix 7, R Neves 7, Ronaldo 8, J Neves 6

Scotland: Gunn 8, Ralston 7, Hanley 6, McKenna 6, Robertson 7, Gilmour 7, McLean 7, Christie 7, McTominay 7, McGinn 7, Dykes 6

Subs: Conway 6, Doak 6, Gauld 7, Morgan 6

Match Highlights

7 – GOAL! PORTUGAL 0, SCOTLAND 1 (MCTOMINAY)

McLean picks out the run of McTominay inside the box, who needs to be more tightly marked, and steers his header into the net.

20 – STINGING SHOT BY LEAO

Another surging run by Leao and the Scottish defense can’t get close enough to the forward. This time, Leao sends a stringing low shot on the edge of the box, which is saved down low by Gunn

54 – GOAL! PORTUGAL 1 (FERNANDES) SCOTLAND 1

The ball is pulled back to Fernandes on the edge of the box. The United man sends his sliced effort goalwards, and Gunn gets a hand to the ball, which ends in the net.

77 – GUNN MAKES BIG SAVE

The Scotland goalkeeper’s leg denies Joao Felix, played inside the Scotland box by an excellent Ronaldo back-heel.

82 ‘RONALDO HITS POST TWICE

Gunn makes two excellent saves to deny Joao Felix, only for the ball to fall for Ronaldo, who rattled the post twice.

88 – GOAL! PORTUGAL 2 (RONALDO) SCOTLAND 1

Ronaldo breaks Scotland’s hearts, connecting with Mendes’s ball into the box. The ball beats the first Portugal runner but not Ronaldo, who steers the ball into an empty net.