Portugal head coach, Jorge Jesus has explained why Cristiano Ronaldo did not play a single minute in the 2 to 1 UEFA Nations League win over Norway in Oslo on Sunday.

The 41 year old captain was named among the substitutes at Ullevaal Stadium but stayed there throughout, with Gonçalo Ramos leading the attack instead. Jesus said before kickoff that Ronaldo had played about 70 minutes in Thursday’s 1 to 0 win over Wales and could not start two matches in a row. He described it as a tactical call, saying Ronaldo remains a key player.

After the game, Jesus admitted that he had told Ronaldo he would come on for the final half hour, but said the match did not require it. Ramos had scored and had another effort ruled out, and the coach felt it was the wrong moment to take him off. Jesus used all five of his substitutions, bringing on Vitinha, Rafael Leão, Rúben Neves, Bernardo Silva and Francisco Trincão, who replaced Ramos in the 81st minute.

João Félix put Portugal ahead in the 17th minute, and Erling Haaland levelled in the 51st. Ramos restored the lead three minutes later, and Portugal held on despite late Norwegian pressure. Diogo Costa and Rúben Dias had earlier denied Haaland before the break.

It was the first time in more than 18 years that Ronaldo went through a competitive game for Portugal without playing, the last such occasion being a 2 to 0 defeat to Switzerland at Euro 2008 in June of that year. Reports said he went straight down the tunnel at the final whistle.

Ronaldo could return when Portugal face Denmark on Thursday, October 1, with Jesus hinting he may play. Portugal meet Norway again three days later.

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