Cristiano Ronaldo delivered yet another iconic moment in his legendary career, coming off the bench to score a dramatic late winner as Portugal denied Scotland their first Nations League point in a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory in Lisbon.
Ronaldo, who netted his 900th career goal just days earlier against Croatia, was subbed in at halftime with Portugal trailing 1-0 after Scotland’s Scott McTominay stunned the Estadio da Luz crowd with a seventh-minute header – Scotland’s only shot in the first half.
The introduction of Ronaldo immediately energized Portugal’s attack, and former Manchester United teammate Bruno Fernandes brought them level in the 54th minute with a left-footed strike that slipped through the hands of Scotland’s keeper Angus Gunn. The equalizer came on Fernandes’ 30th birthday, marking a bittersweet moment for Gunn, who had gifted the goal with a rare mistake.
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Despite his early blunder, Gunn redeemed himself with a series of spectacular saves, twice denying Joao Felix and watching as Ronaldo twice hit the post in quick succession. Yet, it wasn’t enough to stop the relentless Ronaldo, who tapped home a Nuno Mendes cross in the 88th minute to score his 901st career goal and seal Portugal’s second win in as many matches, keeping them atop Group A1.
This latest triumph further solidifies Ronaldo’s status as one of football’s greatest, and Portugal’s march toward Nations League glory continues, thanks to their talismanic captain.
