In yet another extraordinary chapter of his legendary career, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 900th career goal as Portugal secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Croatia in a fiercely contested UEFA Nations League clash on Thursday night. The Estadio da Luz in Lisbon witnessed the historic moment, as the 39-year-old striker turned in a precision cross from Nuno Mendes to etch his name even deeper into the annals of football history.
The landmark goal came in the 34th minute, giving Ronaldo not just his 131st goal for Portugal but also helping his nation claim a vital win in their League A Group 1 encounter. The victory marked another crucial step for Roberto Martinez’s side as they aim to reclaim the Nations League title they first won in 2019.
Portugal’s Strong Start
The match began with Portugal setting the pace early on, as Diogo Dalot fired the hosts into the lead in just the seventh minute. The defender, known more for his defensive prowess, found himself in a dangerous position inside Croatia’s box, where he delivered a well-placed shot past the outstretched arms of Dominik Livakovic. The Croatian goalkeeper, who would go on to have a busy night, managed a fine save 15 minutes later to deny Ronaldo, who seemed determined to add to Portugal’s tally.
The Portuguese captain, ever the focal point of his team’s attack, unleashed a powerful header that looked destined for the back of the net. But Livakovic’s quick reflexes kept the deficit to just one. However, the Croatian shot-stopper could do nothing to prevent Ronaldo’s 34th-minute strike, as Mendes delivered a cross that met Ronaldo’s poised boot. The goal sent the crowd into raptures and cemented Ronaldo’s place in football history as the first player to reach 900 career goals.
Croatia Fights Back
Despite Ronaldo’s milestone moment, Croatia was far from disheartened. Zlatko Dalic’s men responded quickly, and just four minutes before the halftime whistle, they were back on level terms. In an unfortunate turn of events, Portugal’s early hero Dalot inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, attempting to clear a dangerous cross. The own goal set up a tense and dramatic second half, with both teams battling hard for control.
Croatia came out of the dressing room with renewed vigor, and their attacking intent was clear. They held a slightly higher expected goals (xG) value of 0.44 compared to Portugal’s 0.36 in the second half, an indication of the pressure they were putting on the Portuguese defense. However, Portugal’s backline, marshaled by veteran center-back Pepe, remained resolute, denying Croatia’s forwards any clear-cut chances to take the lead.
Ronaldo’s Historic Night
While Croatia pushed for a winner, Ronaldo continued to threaten on the counterattack. He shared a joint team-high of four shots with Bruno Fernandes, another of Portugal’s standout performers. Ronaldo’s influence on the game remained evident until the 87th minute, when he was substituted to a standing ovation from the home crowd.
Ronaldo’s tally of 900 goals is a testament to his longevity and incredible consistency. His international career alone accounts for 131 of those goals, making him the top scorer in international football. His club career contributions are equally staggering, with 450 goals scored for Real Madrid, 145 for Manchester United, 131 for Juventus, 68 for Al-Nassr, and five for Sporting CP, the club where his remarkable journey began.
Looking Ahead
For Portugal, the victory means they stay on course in their UEFA Nations League campaign, with their next test coming against Scotland on Sunday, also in Lisbon. Croatia, on the other hand, will look to regroup as they travel to Osijek to face Poland in what is now a must-win match for Dalic’s side.
As for Ronaldo, the historic milestone adds another layer to his already unparalleled career. With 900 goals and counting, he continues to defy expectations, showing that even at 39, he remains one of the most prolific players to ever grace the football pitch.
