Cristiano Ronaldo’s late winner breaks Scotland resistance in Lisbon

Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed the winner as Scotland suffered more late misery in their UEFA Nations League encounter against Portugal in Lisbon.

Scott McTominay shocked the home fans at the Estadio do SL Benfica when he headed the opener in the seventh minute but the home side eventually made sustained pressure count when Bruno Fernandes netted from 20 yards early in the second half.

Scotland came back into the game but the tide turned again and substitute Ronaldo twice hit the post before knocking home a Nuno Mendes cross from close range in the 88th minute to seal a 2-1 win.

It was a third game in a row that Scotland had lost in the closing stages but, just like their opening Nations League A1 match against Poland, there were elements of the performance to admire.

Scotland were unchanged other than Ryan Christie and John McGinn swapping flanks, which meant the continuation of Steve Clarke’s experimentation with a back four in the absence of Kieran Tierney.

Clarke’s side forced some early corners and they took the lead after Andy Robertson teed up Kenny McLean to whip in a dangerous cross. McTominay timed his run to perfection as he sneaked round the back of the home defence to head home from six yards.

Clarke’s side immediately came under the cosh. Some superb penalty-box defending from Scott McKenna in particular kept Portugal at bay but there were close calls throughout the first half.

Rafael Leao was constantly getting beyond Anthony Ralston and threatened on a number of occasions while also setting up Diogo Jota to shoot over. Centre-back Antonio Silva twice headed over after Scotland struggled to get set following short corners.

Chances were coming from all angles. Angus Gunn parried Jota’s header after the Liverpool