Portugal Hold Off Norway 2-1 as Joao Felix and Gonçalo Ramos Deliver the Win

Portugal maintained their perfect start to the UEFA Nations League 2026 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Norway in Oslo. Joao Felix opened the scoring before Erling Haaland brought the hosts level early in the second half. Gonçalo Ramos then capitalised on a costly mistake to restore Portugal’s lead and secure three points.

The victory gives Portugal two wins from two in Group A4 and keeps Jorge Jesus’ side at the top of the group with six points.

Joao Felix Gives Portugal the Perfect Start

Portugal started confidently and quickly found a way through Norway’s defence. In the 17th minute, Joao Felix completed a slick attacking move, firing a precise finish past Ørjan Nyland to put the visitors 1-0 ahead. It was Felix’s second goal in as many Nations League games, giving Portugal an early advantage in a difficult away fixture.

Norway responded with pressure of their own, with Martin Ødegaard looking to create openings for Haaland and the players around him. However, Portugal managed to reach half-time still in front.

Haaland Brings Norway Back

Norway returned from the break with much greater urgency, and their biggest attacking threat soon delivered.

Erling Haaland equalised in the 51st minute after Diogo Costa initially kept out a Martin Ødegaard free-kick. Haaland reacted quickest to the rebound and tapped the ball home from close range.

The goal was another landmark moment for the Manchester City striker. It was his 65th international goal for Norway and his 22nd in the Nations League, extending his record as the competition’s leading scorer. At 1-1, the momentum appeared to be shifting towards the hosts.

Gonçalo Ramos Responds Immediately

Portugal, however, needed only three minutes to regain their advantage.

Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland made a costly error when he played the ball straight to Gonçalo Ramos. The Portuguese forward showed excellent composure, lifting a clever finish over the stranded goalkeeper to make it 2-1.

The goal proved decisive and gave Portugal the cushion they needed to withstand Norway’s late pressure.

Ramos had another opportunity later in the match after Rafael Leão’s deflected effort struck the crossbar, but his follow-up went wide.

Ronaldo Watches From the Bench

One of the biggest talking points before kick-off was the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal’s starting XI.

The 41-year-old remained an unused substitute, meaning he had to watch from the bench as Felix and Ramos provided the goals. Ronaldo is continuing his pursuit of 1,000 career goals and entered the match needing 21 more to reach that landmark, according to the BBC’s match coverage.

Portugal’s performance showed that Jorge Jesus has attacking options beyond the veteran forward, with Felix and Ramos stepping up on the night.

Norway Push for Another Equaliser

Norway refused to give up after falling behind for a second time. Haaland remained a constant threat and came close to scoring again during the closing stages. The striker had a late header that went just wide, while Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa also had to remain alert as Norway searched for a second equaliser. Portugal ultimately survived the pressure and protected their narrow advantage until the final whistle.

Portugal Stay Perfect in Group A4

The Portugal vs Norway UEFA Nations League 2026 result leaves Portugal top of Group A4 with six points from two matches. Norway remain second with three points after winning their opening game before suffering defeat to the defending champions.

Portugal’s next challenge will be maintaining that perfect record as the Nations League campaign continues.

For Norway, the defeat will be frustrating, particularly after Haaland’s equaliser briefly gave the home side hope. Their attacking threat was clear, but defensive mistakes ultimately proved costly.

A Valuable Win for Portugal

The Portugal Norway 2-1 result had plenty of talking points: Felix continued his excellent start, Haaland reached another international milestone, and Ramos produced the decisive moment when Portugal needed it most.

For Jorge Jesus, the victory is another positive step as Portugal defend their Nations League title. The team has now shown it can win both comfortably and under pressure.

And while Ronaldo remained on the bench this time, Portugal’s younger attacking players ensured the reigning champions continued their campaign with another important three points.