Portugal maintained their perfect start to the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League with a 2-1 victory over Norway in Oslo on Sunday, overcoming Erling Haaland’s equaliser before Gonçalo Ramos struck the decisive goal just two minutes later.
The result moved Portugal to six points from their opening two matches in Group A4, while Norway remained on three points after splitting their opening fixtures. UEFA’s official standings show Portugal top of the group, ahead of Norway on goal difference.
João Félix gives Portugal the lead
The match at Ullevaal Stadion brought together two of Europe’s most talked-about attacking sides, with Haaland leading Norway and Portugal attempting to defend the Nations League title they have won twice.
Portugal made the early breakthrough in the 17th minute.
João Félix finished a flowing Portuguese move with a precise strike from the edge of the penalty area, giving the visitors a 1-0 advantage and continuing his strong start to the Nations League campaign. UEFA reported that the goal came after a slick attacking move that Norway struggled to contain.
Norway responded by increasing the pressure, with Haaland going close twice before the interval. Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa produced important saves to preserve his side’s advantage going into half-time.
The first half therefore ended with Portugal ahead, but Norway remained firmly in the contest.
Haaland restores parity
Norway’s pressure finally produced an equaliser shortly after the restart.
In the 51st minute, a Martin Ødegaard free-kick caused problems inside the Portuguese penalty area. Costa initially prevented the danger from becoming a goal, but the rebound fell kindly for Haaland.
The Manchester City striker reacted quickest, firing the ball into the net to make it 1-1.
It was another important international goal for Haaland, who had already scored twice in Norway’s 3-2 opening victory over Denmark.
Ramos capitalises on Norway error
The decisive moment arrived in the 54th minute.
Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland attempted to play the ball out from the back but his pass went directly to Gonçalo Ramos.
Ramos immediately recognised that Nyland was out of position and lifted the ball over the goalkeeper from outside the penalty area.
The finish restored Portugal’s lead at 2-1 and ultimately proved to be the winning goal. UEFA described it as an “expert lob”, while the match report noted that Ramos intercepted Nyland’s pass before completing the finish.
The goal was particularly damaging for Norway because it came almost immediately after Haaland had brought the hosts level.
Norway push for another equaliser
Norway spent much of the remainder of the match searching for a second equaliser.
Portugal were forced to defend for long periods, but their back line held firm. Rafael Leão came close to adding a third when his deflected effort struck the crossbar, while Ramos missed the opportunity to score again from the resulting rebound.
Norway introduced fresh attacking options as they chased the game, including Oscar Bobb and Jørgen Strand Larsen, but Portugal successfully protected their advantage.
When the final whistle sounded, Portugal had secured a valuable away victory.
The Norwegian Football Federation recorded an attendance of 25,953 at Ullevaal Stadion and confirmed the 2-1 scoreline, with Félix, Haaland and Ramos accounting for the goals.
Ronaldo watches from the bench
One of the most notable pre-match storylines was the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal’s starting XI.
The 41-year-old remained on the bench throughout the match and did not make an appearance. His omission attracted considerable attention given the build-up to the fixture and the expectation surrounding a meeting involving Haaland and Ronaldo.
Portugal instead began with Félix and Ramos in attack, and both played decisive roles.
Félix opened the scoring, while Ramos supplied the winner giving new Portugal coach Jorge Jesus another significant result as he continues to shape the team.
Portugal take control of Group A4
The victory leaves Portugal with two wins from two matches.
They began their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Wales before travelling to Oslo and beating Norway 2-1. Norway, meanwhile, had opened with an entertaining 3-2 victory against Denmark before suffering their first defeat of the campaign against Portugal.
The Group A4 standings after two rounds are:
- Portugal — 6 points
- Norway — 3 points
- Denmark — 3 points
- Wales — 0 points
The Nations League league phase continues through November, with the group standings determining which teams progress towards the quarter-finals. UEFA’s published schedule confirms that the 2026/27 league phase began on September 24 and runs until November 17.
A significant night for Portugal
Portugal’s 2-1 victory was ultimately decided by moments at opposite ends of the pitch.
Félix provided the quality to break Norway’s defence in the first half. Haaland showed his instinct for scoring by bringing Norway level early in the second. But Ramos then capitalised on a costly mistake to restore Portugal’s lead.
Norway had opportunities to respond, but Portugal’s defence survived the pressure.
For Jorge Jesus, the result also demonstrated that Portugal can win a difficult away match without relying on Ronaldo, who watched the entire contest from the substitutes’ bench.
And for Norway, the defeat provided a reminder of the fine margins at the top level: after recovering from a one-goal deficit, the hosts conceded again almost immediately through an avoidable error.
Portugal leave Oslo with six points, while Norway must now regroup as the battle for the two places leading out of Group A4 intensifies.
