Cristiano Ronaldo Steals the Show in Portugal’s Dramatic Victory
Portugal clinched a 2-1 victory over Scotland in a thrilling match that saw Cristiano Ronaldo come off the bench to score the winning goal.
The 39-year-old, coming off the bench in a competitive game for the first time since the 2022 World Cup, added to Bruno Fernandes’ strike after Scott McTominay had put Scotland in front early on.
The home crowd was as stunned as Portugal’s defense when McTominay sneaked in behind after just seven minutes to head Kenny McLean’s cross past the stranded Diogo Costa.
However, the visitors certainly had a chance to get back into the game when Angus Gunn pulled off a great save to keep out Rafael Leo, who also fired several attempts wide of the left post.
Although Scotland struggled to continue soaking up the pressure, their defense was finally breached nine minutes after the break, with Fernandes celebrating his 30th birthday with a superb finish from 20 yards.
Gunn smothered Joao Felix’s low shot in the 78th minute before Ronaldo came inches closer to a winner when his header hit the inside of the far post.
But Ronaldo was to have the final say as he stuck out a foot in the six-yard box to turn Nuno Mendes’ cross into the back of the net.
