8th September, 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo came off the bench to deliver a decisive goal, giving Portugal a 2-1 win over Scotland in a thrilling UEFA Nations League match on Sunday in Lisbon.
This is Ronaldo‘s 901 career goal and it came in a dramatic fashion.
Scotland took an early lead in the 7th minute when Scott McTominay expertly headed home from a superb cross, sending the ball past the Portuguese goalkeeper into the left corner.
Despite Portugal’s efforts, including a close-range header from Diogo Jota that was brilliantly saved by Scotland’s Angus Gunn, the hosts struggled to break through in the first half.
Portugal finally levelled the score in the 54th minute when Bruno Fernandes unleashed a stunning shot from the edge of the box, placing the ball perfectly in the bottom right corner.
As the game progressed, Portugal piled on the pressure, with Joao Felix and Ronaldo both coming close, only to be denied by Gunn and the woodwork.
Ronaldo hit the post twice within minutes, narrowly missing out on what seemed destined to be a match-winner.
However, in the 88th minute, Ronaldo made no mistake. Latching onto a perfect cross, he fired the ball into the back of the net, securing Portugal’s 2-1 victory and sending the crowd in Lisbon into a frenzy.
The win keeps Portugal in strong form as they continue their UEFA Nations League campaign.
