Goncalo Ramos scored the winner as Portugal defeated Norway 2-1 in Oslo on Sunday to make it back-to-back victories at the start of their UEFA Nations League title defence.
Ramos started in place of Cristiano Ronaldo, who remained an unused substitute as Jorge Jesus’ side followed Thursday’s 1-0 victory over Wales with another win in Group A4.
The result marks a strong response from Portugal following their disappointing World Cup last-16 defeat by Spain.
Ronaldo, 41, was named among the substitutes for the first time since a Nations League match against Scotland in September 2024. He did not feature as Jesus continues to manage his playing time during the extended international break.
Ramos took his opportunity, scoring his 12th international goal and producing an industrious display.
“Every moment is important. The most important thing is to show what I can do whenever I’m called upon and to contribute to the team,” Ramos told Sport TV.
“It was a demonstration of my work, of what I can offer the team — not just goals, but everything I do on the pitch.”
Norway, who reached the World Cup quarter-finals, were left to rue missed chances as they failed to build on their 3-2 opening victory over Denmark.
Erling Haaland had Norway’s first clear opportunity, but the Manchester City striker mishit a volley after Martin Odegaard picked him out, allowing Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa to make the save.
Portugal quickly punished the miss.
In the 17th minute, Joao Felix collected the ball on the edge of the box and curled a precise finish into the bottom corner to put the visitors ahead.
Haaland came close to an immediate response when Costa spilled the ball into his path, but Ruben Dias produced a crucial block to deny his Manchester City teammate.
Costa then kept Portugal ahead again 10 minutes before half-time, making an excellent save to keep out Haaland’s downward header.
The Norway captain eventually found the breakthrough six minutes after the restart, tapping the ball into an empty net after Patrick Berg headed it across goal.
Portugal responded almost immediately.
Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland gifted possession to Ramos, who calmly lifted the ball over him and into the net to restore Portugal’s lead.
Rafael Leao then came close to adding a third, but his effort was deflected onto the crossbar as Portugal looked to put the result beyond doubt.
Ramos appeared to have scored again late on after racing onto a long ball and rolling it into an empty net, but a VAR review ruled the goal out for a marginal offside.
Norway pushed forward in search of an equaliser in the closing stages, with goalkeeper Nyland even joining the attack, but Portugal held firm to secure another victory.
The result gives Jesus’ side two wins from two as they continue their defence of the Nations League title.
