Goncalo Ramos punishes Norway error as Portugal make it two Nations League wins

Ramos turns Nyland mistake into Portugal victory

Portugal made it two wins from two at the start of their Nations League title defence after Goncalo Ramos punished a costly Orjan Nyland error in a 2-1 victory over Norway at Ullevaal Stadion.

Joao Felix put Portugal ahead in the 17th minute, guiding a composed finish from the edge of the area into the bottom-left corner after Pedro Neto’s cutback. Norway responded with sustained pressure before half-time, but Diogo Costa twice denied Erling Haaland, including with a fine save from the Manchester City forward’s powerful header.

Haaland eventually found the net six minutes after the restart. Martin Odegaard’s free-kick was spilled by Costa, and Patrick Berg headed the rebound across the six-yard box for Haaland to finish and restore parity.

Norway’s comeback lasted only three minutes. Nyland’s attempted pass was intercepted by Ramos, who took a touch before lifting the ball over the retreating goalkeeper and into the net to restore Portugal’s lead.

Rafael Leao came close to adding a third when his deflected effort struck the crossbar, while Ramos later had another goal ruled out for offside after getting beyond Nyland. Norway controlled much of the closing period, with Andreas Schjelderup forcing another save from Costa, but Portugal’s defence held firm.

Portugal withstand Norway pressure

Jorge Jesus made four changes to the team that defeated Wales in his first match in charge, with Cristiano Ronaldo among those left out. Felix again delivered, extending his record to six goals in his last 11 starts for Portugal.

Haaland remained Norway’s principal threat, scoring in his sixth consecutive competitive appearance for club and country and in 11 of his last 14 competitive matches. Norway created the greater volume of attacking pressure, registering 22 shots and an expected-goals total of 2.72, compared with Portugal’s 12 attempts and 1.03 xG.

Costa’s five saves proved decisive, preserving Portugal’s perfect start and sending the defending champions to the top of Group A4.