Ronaldo completes comeback win for Portugal after Scotland take early lead

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a late winner two minutes from time as Portugal came from a goal down to beat Scotland 2-1.

The 39-year-old, who netted his 900th goal for club and country on Thursday night, was on hand to slide home a Nuno Mendes cross to complete a fightback which broke Scotland’s hearts.

Ronaldo was only introduced at half-time after Scott McTominay’s header had given Scotland an early lead.

Portugal dominated the possession and chances but only equalised in the 54th minute when Bruno Fernandes’ effort snuck through goalkeeper Angus Gunn.

Gunn redeemed himself with a fine double-save to deny substitute Joao Felix late on as Ronaldo rattled the post twice.

However, Gunn was helpless as Ronaldo steered home the winning goal.

Scotland’s defeat will feel tougher after having two penalty claims before the winning goal, which were both waved away from referee Maurizio Mariani.

Steve Clarke’s side have suffered back-to-back Nations League defeats after Poland scored a late penalty to beat them 3-2 on Thursday night.

Meanwhile, Portugal sit top of the Nations League Group 1 following two wins in as many matches.

Scotland are pointless and bottom of Group 1, but just three points behind both Croatia and Poland.

Talking Point – Cristiano Ronaldo shows class to spark fightback

Portugal boss Roberto Martinez introduced Cristiano Ronaldo from the bench at half-time and he provided the experience to guide his nation to victory.

After failing to take advantage of their possession and shots on goal during the first half, with Ronaldo on the pitch the hosts looked a different side.

The 39-year-old watched on as Bruno Fernandes levelled and then almost assisted Joao Felix with a winner, only for Angus Gunn to make a fine save.

Ronaldo then rattled the post twice in one breathtaking move, not deterred he went on to find the late winner.

Play of the match – Nuno Mendes (Portugal)

The wing-back was rarely in trouble at the back as he kept Scotland at arm’s length throughout the game.

With the game heading into its final moments Mendes showed the vision to race forward and provide a vital assist for Ronaldo to tap home from close range.

Player Ratings

Portugal: Costa 7, Semedo 6, Dias 7, A Silva 7, Mendes 8, Fernandes 7, Palhinha 6,
B Silva 7, Neto 6, Jota 6, Leao 7

Subs: Dalot 6, Felix 7, R Neves 7, Ronaldo 8, J Neves 6

Scotland: Gunn 8, Ralston 7, Hanley 6, McKenna 6, Robertson 7, Gilmour 7, McLean 7, Christie 7, McTominay 7, McGinn 7, Dykes 6

Subs: Conway 6, Doak 6, Gauld 7, Morgan 6

Match Highlights

7 – GOAL! PORTUGAL 0 SCOTLAND 1 (MCTOMINAY)

McLean picks out the run of McTominay inside the box who is not tightly marked and steers his header into the net.

20 – STINGING SHOT BY LEAO

Another surging run by Leao and the Scottish defence can’t get close enough to the forward. This time Leao sends a stringing low shot on the edge of the box which is saved down low by Gunn

54 – GOAL! PORTUGAL 1 (FERNANDES) SCOTLAND 1

The ball is pulled back to Fernandes on the edge of the box. The United man sends his sliced effort goalwards and Gunn gets a hand to the ball which ends in the net.

The Scotland goalkeeper’s leg denies Joao Felix who is played through inside the Scotland box by an excellent Ronaldo back-heel.

82 ‘ RONALDO HITS POST TWICE

Gunn makes two great saves to deny Joao Felix only for the ball to fall for Ronaldo who rattles the post twice.

88 – GOAL! PORTUGAL 2 (RONALDO) SCOTLAND 1

Ronaldo breaks Scotland’s hearts connecting with Mendes ball into the box which beats the first Portugal runner but not Ronaldo who steers the ball into an empty net.

Key Stats