Portugal First to Reach Nations League Quarters, Haaland Forced Off Injured

Portugal became the first team to reach the Nations League quarter-finals, coming from behind to beat Norway 2-1 in Porto despite the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who was left out after learning he would not start.

Kristoffer Ajer fired Norway ahead with a spectacular strike, but Joao Cancelo levelled with a rocket of his own before half-time. Goncalo Ramos, starting in Ronaldo's absence, struck the winner in the second half to seal a fourth straight win in Group A4 for Jorge Jesus's side.

Portugal finished with ten men after Francisco Conceicao was sent off late on, but held firm to stay unbeaten. Erling Haaland struggled to make an impact against a well-organised Portuguese defence and was forced off injured in the 67th minute, replaced by Jorgen Strand Larsen. Manchester City are awaiting further assessment on the Norwegian's fitness. The result leaves Portugal six points clear of second-placed Denmark, with Norway dropping to the bottom of the group after a third straight defeat.