In a thrilling Nations League match on Sunday, Cristiano Ronaldo once again demonstrated his legendary status by scoring his 901st career goal, securing a 2-1 victory for Portugal over Scotland. Ronaldo’s decisive goal came in the 88th minute, capitalizing on a precise cross from Nuno Mendes.
Despite just reaching the 900-goal milestone with his 131st international strike in a victory against Croatia, Ronaldo showed no signs of slowing down. His contribution lifted Portugal to their second consecutive win in Nations League Group A1.
The Estadio da Luz in Lisbon erupted in cheers for Ronaldo, who came off the bench to deliver the late winner. On his 30th birthday, Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United midfielder, scored the equalizer for Portugal in the second half after his former Old Trafford teammate Scott McTominay gave Scotland an early lead.
For Portugal’s coach Roberto Martinez, the victory carried personal significance. Having met his wife while playing for Scottish club Motherwell, he humorously anticipated family tensions over the match outcome.
Scotland unexpectedly took the lead in the seventh minute when Kenny McLean’s superb cross found McTominay, who headed past Diogo Costa from six yards. McTominay, who recently transferred from Manchester United to Napoli, has been in excellent form, scoring 10 goals in his last 12 competitive appearances for Scotland.
Portugal’s Rafael Leao nearly equalized immediately with a powerful run and shot that hit the side netting. He continued to pose a threat, forcing a full-stretch save from Angus Gunn. Despite mounting pressure from Portugal, Scotland’s defense held firm until the second half.
Ronaldo’s introduction at halftime marked a turning point for Portugal. Bruno Fernandes equalized in the 53rd minute with a 25-yard shot that Gunn mishandled, allowing the ball to slip into the net.
Ronaldo’s presence on the field continued to galvanize Portugal. His audacious backheel gave Joao Felix a chance, but Gunn made a crucial save. Gunn also stopped Felix’s diving header before Ronaldo’s header hit the post.
The persistent Portuguese pressure paid off in the 88th minute. Nuno Mendes delivered a pinpoint cross into the six-yard box, where Ronaldo was perfectly positioned to tap in the winner, reaffirming his predatory instincts.
Scotland, who were beaten 3-2 by Poland at Hampden Park on Thursday, have struggled recently, winning just one of their last 14 matches. Steve Clarke’s team has lost six of their nine matches in 2024, with their sole victory coming in a friendly against Gibraltar in June.
Reflecting on the match, Clarke expressed his disappointment: “When you bring quality players from the bench like Roberto can do, you always know there’s a risk. I’m really disappointed for my players because I think they deserved to get something from the game.”
Portugal’s win leaves Scotland still searching for their first victory over Portugal. The match highlighted both Ronaldo’s enduring brilliance and Scotland’s ongoing challenges on the international stage.
