Goncalo Ramos seals Portugal victory over Norway as Cristiano Ronaldo remains on bench

Goncalo Ramos scored the decisive goal as Portugal beat Norway 2-1 in the second round of matches in Group D of the Nations League, with Cristiano Ronaldo absent from the starting line-up.

Joao Felix also scored for Portugal, while Erling Haaland replied for Norway. The result leaves Portugal top of the group with six points, while Norway remain second on three points.

Ronaldo, Portugal’s captain, was named among the substitutes but did not feature as his side secured a second successive victory.

Portugal took the lead in the 17th minute when Joao Felix struck a powerful shot after being played in by Pedro Neto.

Norway levelled six minutes into the second half. Portugal’s goalkeeper saved from a free-kick, but the ball fell to Norway midfielder Patrick Berg, who supplied Haaland for the equaliser.

Portugal restored their advantage three minutes later. Ramos capitalised on an error by Norway’s goalkeeper to put the visitors back in front.

Ramos appeared to have scored again in the 58th minute, but the goal was disallowed for offside after the referee reviewed the incident using video assistant referee technology.

Portugal held on to claim an important win and move clear at the top of the group before the remaining Nations League matches.

Portugal will face Denmark in their third-round fixture next Thursday, while Norway will play Wales on the same day.