Portugal proved they can thrive without Cristiano Ronaldo, securing an impressive 2-1 victory away to Norway and bringing the hosts' remarkable 14-match unbeaten run on home soil to an end.

With Ronaldo left on the bench, Gonçalo Ramos was handed the starting role up front — and made the most of his opportunity. The forward scored the decisive goal to give Portugal their second consecutive victory in Nations League Group A4.

The result was particularly notable given Norway's impressive record in front of their own supporters. Portugal not only ended that run but did so without their legendary captain, underlining the depth available to the national team.

For Ronaldo, it was an unusual sight. The 41-year-old was named among the substitutes for the first time since Portugal's Nations League clash with Scotland in September 2024 — and remained on the bench throughout the match.

The decision forms part of an effort by Jesus to manage Ronaldo's minutes during an extended international window, with the veteran forward's workload being carefully monitored.

UEFA Nations League 2026-27

Norway - Portugal 1:2 (0:1)
Goals: Félix J., 17 (0:1); Håland E., 51 (1:1); Ramos G., 54 (1:2)

Norway: Nyland; Ajer; Ryerson (Ostigard, 66); Heggem; Berg P. (Bobb, 72); Aursnes; Berge; Odegaard; Schjelderup; Håland E.; Nusa (Strand Larsen, 81)
Substitution: Ostigard (from 66); Bobb (from 72); Strand Larsen (from 81)
Bench: Tangvik; Selvik; Bjørtuft; Holmgren Pedersen; Sjövold; Thorstvedt; Aasgaard T.; Blomberg O.; Botheim
Yellow Cards: Ryerson 16; Aursnes 47; Ajer 65

Portugal: Costa D.; Dias R.; Veiga; Mendes N.; Cancelo; Palhinha (Ruben Neves, 80); Félix J.; Conceicao F. (Leão R., 55); Neves J. P. (Vitinha F., 56); Ramos G. (Trincão, 81); Pedro Neto (Bernardo Silva, 87)
Substitution: Leão R. (from 55); Vitinha F. (from 56); Ruben Neves (from 80); Trincão (from 81); Bernardo Silva (from 87)
Bench: Rui Silva; Soares S.; Dalot; Araújo T.; Tavares N.; Inacio; Cristiano Ronaldo
Yellow Cards: Palhinha 49; Veiga 67; Cancelo 76; Vitinha F. 76; Dias R. 87; Bernardo Silva 93