Ronaldo Remains on Bench as Portugal Defeats Norway

In the UEFA Nations League match on Sunday, Portugal secured a 2-1 victory against Norway in Oslo, with Cristiano Ronaldo remaining an unused substitute. Portugal's manager, Jorge Jesus, explained that Ronaldo, 41, was fit to play but did not enter the match as Gonçalo Ramos, who started up front, scored the winning goal.

Jesus had initially planned to substitute Ronaldo into the game but decided against it due to the match's evolving dynamics. He clarified that the decision was purely tactical and not related to Ronaldo's physical condition, stating, “He was ready.” Jesus had previously agreed with Ronaldo to bring him on for the final half-hour, but Ramos's performance, including one goal and a disallowed goal, influenced the decision to make different substitutions.

Portugal utilized all five permitted substitutions without including Ronaldo. Jesus suggested that Ronaldo might start in the upcoming match against Denmark, leaving Portugal at the top of their Nations League group after consecutive wins.