UEFA Nations League round-up: Cristiano Ronaldo breaks Scottish hearts, Luka Modric in mark in 180th cap

Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed the winner as Scotland suffered more late misery in their UEFA Nations League Group A2 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 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 match against Poland, there were elements of the performance to admire.

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.

The half-time whistle was welcome relief but Scotland came back out to the sight of Ronaldo stripped for action and looking to add to the 900th career goal he netted against Croatia.

The equaliser came in the 54th minute when Leao set up Fernandes to sweep in a first-time strike from 20 yards which spun away from Gunn and into the corner of the net off the goalkeeper’s hands.

Ronaldo was firing shots from all angles but Scotland suddenly started to get the ball down and play and got their first efforts at goal since the opener. The hosts had already notched 20.

Joao Felix looked certain to score when Ronaldo set him up with a backheel but Gunn threw out a leg to block the Chelsea player’s shot.

Gunn pulled off an even better stop