Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 901st career goal to complete Portugal’s stunning comeback against Scotland in the UEFA Nations League.
Despite becoming the first player in history to reach the 900-goal mark against Croatia in midweek, Ronaldo was left on the bench for the game at the Estadio da Luz.
Scotland surprised everyone by opening the scoring in the 7th minute, thanks to their own ‘talisman’, Scott McTominay . Somehow, the visitors kept the advantage until the end of the first half, despite a series of attacks from the Reds.
But what had to come finally came in the second half. Portugal found an equalizer through Bruno Fernandes. The Man United captain broke the deadlock for his team with a decisive, dangerous long-range shot.
The home side continued to dominate after that, and it was expected that they would score a second goal. With just two minutes left, substitute Ronaldo shone at the right time with a tap-in. The superstar striker scored his 901st goal, after the ball repeatedly hit the goalpost. Then the Lisbon stadium exploded with joy, even chaos when a crazy fan tried to enter the field to take a selfie with his idol.
Scott McTominay’s goal (7th minute, Portugal 0-1 Scotland)
The visitors won a free-kick on the left flank. Kenny McLean sent a lovely long ball towards the white shirts at the back post. McTominay escaped Ruben Dias, beat the offside trap and headed past Diogo Costa from close range for his 10th goal in 13 international appearances.
Bruno Fernandes scores against Scotland (54th minute, Portugal 1-1 Scotland)
Portugal’s relentless pressure finally paid off. Fernandes fired a powerful shot from distance from Rafael Leao into the far corner. Angus Gunn dived to block, and although he got a hand to the ball, he could not prevent Scotland from conceding.
Ronaldo hits the post and Gunn makes a spectacular save (82nd minute, Portugal 1-1 Scotland)
In the 82nd minute, Ronaldo received a pass from Fernandes and headed the ball powerfully, but it hit the post.
The Scotland goalkeeper cleared the ball away before Joao Felix could do anything, with Gunn also making a great save to deny Felix’s header just minutes earlier.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal against Scotland (88th minute, Portugal 2-1 Scotland)
The Al-Nassr superstar may have regretted that his goal was denied by the goalpost. But then, he was able to enjoy the joy when the official time of the match was only 2 minutes to the end.
Paris Saint-Germain left-back Nuno Mendes sent a tricky cross into the box. With Gunn and Diogo Jota both unable to keep up with the ball, Ronaldo was on hand to slot the ball into an empty net.
Man of the match – Bruno Fernandes
Ronaldo scored a late winner. Gunn made a series of great saves to give Scotland a chance to claim a point or three. But it was Bruno Fernandes who set the tempo as Portugal maintained their dominance throughout.