Félix and Ramos score as Portugal end Norway’s 14-match home unbeaten run
By Andalo Christine Ingutia
Portugal defeated Norway 2–1 at Ullevaal Stadion yesterday in a UEFA Nations League Group A4 match, ending the hosts’ 14-match unbeaten run at home. João Félix and Gonçalo Ramos scored for the defending champions, who took advantage of Norway’s mistakes, while Erling Haaland pulled one back for the home side. The result gave Portugal three important points, but Norway was left disappointed after dominating large parts of the match.
Portugal took the lead in the 17th minute when Félix finished from the edge of the area after receiving a pass from Pedro Neto. Félix found space inside the Norwegian defence before sending the ball past goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland and into the bottom corner. The goal came after Norway had created the first chance of the match, when Haaland mishit a volley after being picked out by Martin Ødegaard, and Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa made the save. Haaland then had another opportunity when Costa spilled the ball into his path, but Portugal defender Rúben Dias blocked the effort.
Norway continued to control much of the game and created several chances. The hosts had 62 per cent possession in the first half but failed to find an equaliser before the break. Haaland was also closely involved in Norway’s attacks as the home side kept the pressure on Portugal’s defence, with two of his headers saved by Costa before the interval.
Six minutes into the second half, Norway drew level through Haaland. The Manchester City striker tapped in from Patrick Berg’s header across goal, beating Costa at close range. It was Haaland’s 65th goal for Norway in 57 appearances.
Norway’s joy was short-lived. Three minutes later, Nyland made a costly error while playing the ball out from the back. Ramos pounced on the ball, went round the goalkeeper and scored into an empty net to give Portugal a 2–1 lead in the 54th minute. The blunder came at a difficult moment for Norway, which had just equalised and was looking to build on its momentum. Ramos also had a goal disallowed for offside after a long ball forward from Costa caught the Norway defence out.
Norway, under head coach Ståle Solbakken, pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Portugal defended well in the closing stages and held on for the victory. The hosts controlled the final 15 minutes and Andreas Schjelderup forced Costa into action, but Portugal’s defence remained intact. Norway finished with more shots than Portugal but could not find another goal.
Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus praised his side’s defensive resilience after the match and singled out central defenders Dias and Renato Veiga for their handling of Haaland. Jesus, who has won both of his matches since taking charge, described Norway as one of Europe’s top five teams.
Félix, who scored in consecutive Nations League matches, said Portugal could be a very strong team if everyone pulled in the same direction. Ramos, who started in place of Cristiano Ronaldo, said the most important thing for him was to show what he could do whenever called upon.
Portugal secured three points despite Norway finishing with 59 per cent possession and creating pressure for much of the match. Jesus made four changes to the side that beat Wales in his first match in charge, with Ronaldo starting on the bench and not coming on. Ronaldo had taken seven shots without scoring in the win over Wales, his most in a game for his country since October 2025.
The result leaves Portugal top of Group A4 with six points from two matches, ahead of Denmark and Norway on three each. Denmark, who beat Wales 2–0 yesterday, sit second on goal difference. Norway had opened their campaign with a 3–2 win over Denmark on Thursday, when Haaland scored twice, while Portugal began with a 1–0 victory over Wales. The top two teams in each League A group advance to the quarter-finals in March 2027. Matchdays three and four follow in early October.
The two teams are scheduled to meet again in Portugal on Sunday, October 4. Norway will be hoping to use the home defeat as motivation, while Portugal will look to build on the victory and extend their lead in the return fixture.
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