It was looking like a frustrating night for the hosts before Ronaldo stepped up with his 901st career goal.
Portugal fought back from a goal down to beat Scotland 2-1 in the UEFA Nations League in front of a packed-out crowd in Lisbon, with Cristiano Ronaldo ending up as the hero after stepping off the bench at half-time.
Scotland got off on the front foot, going in front early through Scott McTominay, who scored a trademark goal from a late run into the box to the shock of all the home fans watching on in the Estadio da Luz. Unsurprisingly, Portugal had almost all of the ball following the opener and the Tartan Army were determined to defend for their lives, keeping out 16 shots in the first half, the most they have faced in 45 minutes since 2012.
But their defensive work was undone early in the second half as Bruno Fernandes struck a sweet first-time strike provided by Rafael Leao into the bottom corner to level the scoreline, albeit with the help of some questionable goalkeeping from Scotland No.1 Angus Gunn.
And there was time for a classic Ronaldo winner off the bench as the Al-Nassr striker grabbed his 901st career goal to win the game for his side after stealing in to meet a teasing Nuno Mendes cross from close range.
GOAL rates Portugal's players from Estadio da Luz…
AFPGoalkeeper & Defence
Diogo Costa (8/10):
Virtually no action troubled the Porto goalkeeper other than the Scotland goal.
Nelson Semedo (6/10):
Was not as impactful as his full-back partner Mendes, despite not having much defensive work to do.
Ruben Dias (7/10):
Played every Scotsman onside for their early goal but did not have much to do after that.
Antonio Silva (7/10):
Contributed more in the attacking third than in his own defensive one. Launched into a couple of commanding runs that put Portugal into a good position.
Nuno Mendes (8/10):
Had a bright game at left-back, charging forward and having several good efforts on goal as well as providing a perfect cross for Ronaldo's winner.
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Bruno Fernandes (8/10):
Looked like a man on a mission after going down early and took his goal superbly with his weaker foot.
Joao Palhinha (6/10):
Did not do a lot wrong but was unable to provide an attacking threat as his side chased the game in the second half. Was taken off at half-time.
Bernardo Silva (6/10):
Did not have his regular influence on the game and was replaced with 25 minutes to go as a result.
AFPAttack
Pedro Neto (6/10):
Like Bernardo, struggled to make a dent, particularly against Liverpool's Andy Robertson and was hooked ahead of the second half.
Diogo Jota (6/10):
Was wasteful with the chances he did get in the final third and was generally below his usual standards.
Rafael Leao (8/10):
Was comfortably Portugal's best player before coming off and on another night he could have had a hat-trick.
Getty Subs & Manager
Ruben Neves (7/10):
Got stuck in off the bench, breaking up a number of Scotland counter-attacks in the second half.
Cristiano Ronaldo (9/10):
Naturally became the main man when introduced off the bench, nearly providing a brilliant assist and also hitting the post in the final 10 minutes before netting the eventual winner.
Joao Neves (7/10):
Swept up well as Portugal pushed on and was a nuisance in midfield.
Joao Felix (8/10):
Saw a one-on-one to make it 2-1 saved in and then forced a fantastic save out of Angus Gunn.
Diogo Dalot (6/10):
Did not see much from the Manchester United man during his time on the pitch.
Roberto Martinez (8/10):
Made all five of his subs in the second half, including some half-time changes, which paid off with the late winner from the age-defying Ronaldo.