Portugal beat Norway 2-1 on Sunday and stayed perfect in their Nations League group, with Gonçalo Ramos scoring the winner. Cristiano Ronaldo was not involved. He featured only in the opening match of the window and left the squad afterwards, and Portugal’s manager has left the door open for a return rather than closing it.

The result matters for more than the table. Norway arrived with Erling Haaland as their main threat, and the Manchester City striker limped off during the game. That is a concern for both Norway’s remaining fixtures and City, who return to Premier League action next weekend with a heavy schedule and an ongoing legal fight hanging over the club.

City were found guilty on 114 of 115 Premier League financial charges and have formally appealed, insisting the club is innocent. The case will run for months. In the meantime the squad still has to play, and Haaland’s fitness is the most immediate issue. A minor knock would be manageable. Anything longer would force City to lean harder on the rest of their attack just as the appeal process begins.

Portugal’s ability to win without their long-time captain is the cleaner story from the weekend. Ramos has taken the chances that have come his way, and the side looks organised enough to keep collecting points. For Norway and City, the next few days of medical updates on Haaland will matter more than the result itself.