Why Ronaldo Missed Portugal’s Victory Against Norway — Coach Jorge

Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has explained why Cristiano Ronaldo remained on the bench throughout Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday.

Ronaldo was named among the substitutes for the Group 4 encounter in Oslo but did not make an appearance as Portugal secured another important victory.

Jesus said the decision was tactical and not related to any fitness concern involving the 41-year-old captain.

The coach explained that he had initially planned to bring Ronaldo into the game for the final 30 minutes. However, the development of the match changed his plans.

“I was thinking of putting him in for half an hour, but the game dictated other things,” Jesus said after the match.

According to the coach, Gonçalo Ramos’ performance influenced the decision to keep Ronaldo on the bench. Ramos started in attack and scored Portugal’s winning goal after Erling Haaland had equalised for Norway.

Jesus said Ramos was performing well and had also seen another goal ruled out, making it difficult to substitute him while Portugal were managing the game.

The Portugal manager stressed that Ronaldo was physically ready to play and that his omission was not intended to protect him from injury or fatigue.

He also indicated that Ronaldo remains part of his plans for the remaining Nations League fixtures, suggesting the veteran forward could return to the starting lineup in Portugal’s next match against Denmark.

The decision ended Ronaldo’s long run of appearing in every Portugal match since June 2008, either as a starter or substitute.

Portugal eventually held on for a 2-1 victory in Oslo, maintaining their strong start to the Nations League campaign and leaving them top of their group after two matches.