Nations League: Portugal takes control before the final against Spain, Norway falls despite Haaland

It was a rich evening on European grounds.

From Cristiano Ronaldo's bleeding injury to the surprise defeat, here's a roundup of what happened in the Nations League on Saturday night.

Ligue A, group 2: the very good move of Portugal, which passes in front of Spain

The finalist of the last edition has his destiny in his hands to reach the Final Four.

Behind Spain by two points before the start of this 5th day in this tough group with Switzerland and the Czech Republic, Portugal passed their Iberian neighbor thanks to their great success on the lawn of Prague (0-4), combined with the surprise setback of La Roja at home against the Helvetians (1-2).

The partners of Cristiano Ronaldo, who found his face bathed in blood after a very spectacular clash with the opposing goalkeeper - but gritted his teeth to play 90 precious minutes as his start to the club season is complicated -, made the difference thanks to Diego Dalot for his first two goals in selection (33rd, 52nd), Bruno Fernandes (45th + 2) and Diogo Jota (82nd).

Where Patrick Schick narrowly missed on a missed penalty and conceded by "CR7" (45th + 6).

Ronaldo appreciated that one 😏#NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/Qrlbyk6jwy

— UEFA Nations League (@EURO2024) September 24, 2022

At the same time, the Spaniards were overthrown in Zaragoza by a Nati without complexes, thanks to Manuel Akanji (21st) and the Monegasque Breel Embolo (58th), and despite the goal of Jordi Alba (55th).

La Roja had only been defeated once in their last 12 games, against France in the final of the last Nations League.

She falls from above and from her throne, doubled by the Seleção (10 points, against 8) whom she will challenge on Tuesday for the group final.

Now overtaken by Switzerland (6 points) which it will face for the maintenance, the Czech Republic becomes relegated before a last day which smells of powder.

League B, group 4: Norway fall despite Haaland, final to come against Serbia

Whether in club or selection, Erling Haaland never stops scoring.

But the Scandinavian cyborg was not enough for Norway, overthrown by Slovenia at the end of the match (2-1), by scoring two goals in twelve minutes by Andraz Sporar (69th) and the young striker of RB Leipzig Benjamin Sesko ( 81st).

Despite this setback and Haaland's 21st goal in his first 22 international matches - unheard of since 1970 and Luigi Riva with Italy - the Norwegians retain their leading position, still ahead of Serbia, winner 4-1 of Sweden.

⚽️ ERLING HAALAND GOAL!

The Norwegian striker takes advantage of a defensive error to open the scoring against Slovenia

Live: https://t.co/SFY8b6XzdH#lequipeFOOT pic.twitter.com/t6IyZgpgCk

— the chain L'Équipe (@lachainelequipe) September 24, 2022

The teammates of Mitrovic, triple scorer against Sweden in Belgrade, will have to win Tuesday in Norway to access League A. As a reminder, the first four groups of League B are promoted.

The Swedes will have no choice but to win against Slovenia at the same time so as not to drop into League C.

Guess who... 😉#NationsLeague https://t.co/0hrcIrX54y pic.twitter.com/1FpTn4OfQt

— UEFA Nations League (@EURO2024) September 24, 2022

And otherwise...

In Group 1 of League B, the Ukrainians played in Armenia (5-0), in Yerevan, to occupy second place two points behind Scotland, who fell from Ireland (2-1).

Bordeaux's Danylo Ignatenko scored, Artem Dovbyk scored twice, and Zbirna will play the final of League A accession against the Scots on Tuesday. In Group 2 of League B, narrow but oh so important success Israel against Albania (2-1) to officially offer its ticket to the big world, and League A.