Portugal have continued their perfect start to the UEFA Nations League with another victory over Norway, proving they can keep winning despite the ongoing Cristiano Ronaldo controversy.
Jorge Jesus’ side entered Sunday’s clash under intense scrutiny following Ronaldo’s dramatic departure from the Portugal camp.
Yet the noise surrounding the veteran forward did little to derail the defending Nations League champions.
Portugal had already beaten Norway 2-1 in Oslo during the international window before following that result with a 4-2 victory over Denmark in Copenhagen. They returned home on Sunday looking to complete another important win and preserve their 100 per cent record.
The hosts delivered again.
João Cancelo put Portugal in front in the first half before Norway hit back through Kristoffer Ajer. Gonçalo Ramos then restored Portugal’s advantage in the second half as the home side moved closer to another three points.
The victory is particularly significant because Portugal achieved it without their biggest name.
Ronaldo was absent after leaving the national team camp amid reported tensions with new head coach Jorge Jesus. The 41-year-old’s departure has dominated the headlines around Portugal during the international break and has raised fresh questions about his future with the national team.
Portugal, however, have responded on the pitch.
Before Sunday’s match, the Portuguese had collected nine points from their opening three Group A4 games. Their previous results included a 1-0 victory over Wales, a 2-1 win against Norway and a commanding 4-2 triumph away to Denmark.
Another win over Norway means that perfect sequence remains intact.
It also gives Jesus further evidence that his squad can handle pressure even while the Ronaldo situation continues to generate headlines.
Bruno Fernandes has already urged the country not to become divided over Ronaldo’s departure. The Manchester United midfielder revealed that he had spoken to Ronaldo and insisted the five-time Ballon d’Or winner remains Portugal’s biggest football icon.
That message was delivered off the pitch.
On it, Portugal have continued to produce results.
Norway arrived in Porto desperate for a response after losing to Portugal in Oslo and then suffering a 2-1 defeat against Wales. Erling Haaland and his teammates were therefore facing another difficult assignment against a Portugal side that had already beaten them once during the same international window.
Portugal’s latest success keeps them firmly in control of their Nations League campaign and strengthens their position at the top of Group A4.
More importantly, it shows that the Ronaldo saga has not stopped the team from delivering when it matters.
The superstar’s absence will remain a major talking point, particularly with questions still surrounding his relationship with Jesus and his future international involvement.
But Portugal’s message has been simple.
Keep playing. Keep winning.
And, for now, they are doing exactly that without their legendary captain.
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