Ronaldo's Late Strike Secures Portugal Victory Against Scotland in Nations League

Cristiano Ronaldo once again showcased his unmatched prowess on the field, securing Portugal's 2-1 victory over Scotland with a dramatic late goal. This marked the 901st goal in the football legend's illustrious career, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest players of all time. Despite reaching the incredible milestone of 900 career goals just days prior, Ronaldo displayed his hunger for success by delivering a winning performance off the bench. The iconic moment at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon left fans chanting the name of the unstoppable Al-Nassr forward, celebrating his unwavering determination and remarkable skill.

On his 30th birthday, Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes fired Portugal's second half equaliser after his former Old Trafford team-mate Scott McTominay gave Scotland a surprise early lead.

For Portugal boss Roberto Martinez, victory over Scotland could mean some awkward silences at his next family gathering.

Martinez met his wife Beth while playing for Scottish club Motherwell in 2001 and joked before the match he would be delighted to upset his father-in-law by beating Scotland.

He did exactly that, leaving Scotland still waiting for their first win over Portugal.

Beaten 3-2 by Poland at Hampden Park on Thursday, Scotland have won just once in 14 matches, a barren sequence that included their lacklustre failure to make it out of the group stage at Euro 2024.

Steve Clarke's men have lost six of their nine matches in 2024, with their only victory coming in a friendly against Gibraltar in June.

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"When you bring quality players from the bench like Roberto can do you always know there's a risk," Clarke said.

"I'm really disappointed for my players because I think they deserved to get something from the game.

"But with the amount of balls that go into the box, you know one of them can go in the back of the net and that's what happened to us."

Ronaldo late show

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Scotland took a shock lead in the seventh minute when Kenny McLean's superb cross picked out McTominay, who made a perfectly-timed run to plant his stooping header past Diogo Costa from six yards.

McTominay, who recently moved from United to Napoli, has 10 goals in his last 12 competitive appearances for Scotland.

Rafael Leao threatened an immediate equaliser with a driving run but his shot rippled into the side-netting.

Leao went even closer as he cut in from the left flank for a fierce drive that Angus Gunn pushed away at full stretch.

Antonio Silva wasted a chance created by Leao as he headed over from the AC Milan forward's dinked cross.

As the Portugal pressure mounted, Gunn made a fine save after Diogo Jota connected with Fernandes's incisive pass.

It was no surprise to see Ronaldo sent on for the second half and Portugal were immediately improved by his presence.

Taking aim from long-range in the 53rd minute, Fernandes's 25-yard blast should have been routine for Gunn but his weak attempted save allowed the ball to squirm into the net.

Ronaldo's audacious backheel gave Joao Felix a sight of goal, only for Gunn to make amends for his earlier error with an excellent stop.

Gunn saved again from Felix's diving header before Ronaldo turned the rebound against the post.

In the next attack, Ronaldo's glancing header hit the post and was clawed off the line by Gunn before Felix could convert. 

Portugal's late surge finally produced the winner in the 88th minute.

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Nuno Mendes whipped a cross into the six-yard box, where Ronaldo was lurking to deliver the knockout blow with a typically predatory tap-in.

(This story has not been edited by staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)