SPORT
Nations League: Ronaldo scores 133rd international goal as Portugal sink Poland 3-1
Cristiano Ronaldo scored as Portugal beat Poland 3-1 for their third straight Nations League win on Saturday, while European champions Spain ended Denmark’s perfect start in the competition.
Bernardo Silva volleyed Portugal ahead in the 26th minute in Warsaw as Bruno Fernandes cleverly nodded a cross from Ruben Neves back towards the Manchester City midfielder.
Ronaldo then found himself in the right place at the right time to turn in the rebound for Portugal’s second after Rafael Leao’s shot came back off the post following a brilliant surging run by the AC Milan winger.
The 39-year-old Ronaldo has struck in all three games of this Nations League campaign for Portugal, taking his record men’s international goals to 133.
Piotr Zielinski cut the deficit for Poland but Jan Bednarek’s own goal sealed victory for Portugal, the lone remaining team in League A with a 100 per cent record, and they could secure a place in the quarter-finals next week.
“We worked very hard the last few days, preparing various solutions for this game, and we were able to show it on the pitch. I am really satisfied because we controlled this game,” said Portugal coach Roberto Martinez.
“We played great as a team.”
Portugal have a maximum nine points in Group A1, three ahead of Croatia who beat Scotland 2-1 to condemn their opponents to a third successive defeat in the section.
Ryan Christie’s first half-goal gave Scotland a shock lead in Zagreb, but Igor Matanovic equalised before the interval and Andrej Kramaric bagged the winner midway through the second half.
Che Adams thought he had salvaged a stoppage-time equaliser but VAR disallowed his effort for offside, with Scotland winless in nine competitive outings — the longest run in their history.
FC Barcelona will officially return to the newly renovated Spotify Camp Nou this week, with their first match at the revamped stadium set against Athletic Club.
The Blaugrana have spent more than a year away from their iconic home ground due to major reconstruction works under the Espai Barça project. During the renovation period, the team played their home fixtures at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
According to Fabrizio Romano’s X post on Monday, he said, “Barcelona will make their long-awaited return this week, with Athletic Club as the first visitors at the upgraded stadium.”
The return marks a historic moment for the club, as fans prepare to experience the significantly modernised Camp Nou for the first time.
The matchup against Athletic Club will serve as the official debut of the new-look Spotify Camp Nou and is expected to draw a sell-out crowd.
More details, including final stadium preparations and planned pre-match events, are expected from the club in the coming hours.
PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Barcelona were forced to abandon their initial plan to return to Camp Nou in August, pushing the stadium’s reopening further due to licensing challenges.
Nigeria’s dream of reaching the 2026 World Cup ended on Sunday as DR Congo edged the Super Eagles in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in Rabat.
Frank Onyeka had given Nigeria the perfect start with an early goal in the third minute, only for Meschak Elia to level for DR Congo in the 32nd minute. Despite several near-misses in extra time, neither side could find a winner, forcing the tie into penalties.
The shootout proved a nightmare for the Super Eagles. Calvin Bassey missed the opening spot-kick, and Semi Ajayi saw his penalty saved, while Simon also failed to convert. DR Congo held their nerve to secure victory, sending them through to the intercontinental playoff and ending Nigeria’s campaign in heartbreaking fashion.
It was a night of missed opportunities for Nigeria, who struggled to adapt without Victor Osimhen after he was forced off early in the second half due to injury. Despite some bright moments from the likes of Arokodare and Onyemaechi, the Super Eagles could not break down a resilient DR Congo defence.
DR Congo will now prepare for the intercontinental playoff, keeping their World Cup hopes alive, while Nigeria are left to rue what might have been in a tense, high-stakes encounter.
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Ade
November 16, 2025 at 7:54 am
Congratulations Greatest of All Time
Adewale olamide
November 16, 2025 at 8:01 am
Congratulations Greatest of All Time