Cristiano Ronaldo watches on as pitch invader is wiped out trying to reach the superstar – just minutes after scoring Portugal’s winner against Scotland
- An outfield player was pulled back as he tried to reach Cristiano Ronaldo
- The Portuguese superstar had just scored the winning goal against Scotland
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A substitute was stopped just before he reached Cristiano Ronaldo during Portugal’s 2-1 win over Scotland in Lisbon on Sunday night.
Ronaldo’s presence in his home country always draws huge crowds, with thousands packed into Benfica’s stadium to watch the 39-year-old in action in the UEFA Nations League.
The legendary striker scored his 901st career goal after scoring the winning goal in the dying minutes of the match, with a fan later running onto the pitch to join Ronaldo.
Earlier this summer, several brave Ronaldo supporters attempted to enter the field during the match between Portugal and Turkey at Euro 2024, requiring several stewards to enter the field at different times.
It is clear that this fan has not learned the lesson others have as they ran onto the pitch and got within metres of Ronaldo before being whisked away by security personnel.
Cristiano Ronaldo watched as a field substitute tried to reach him in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Scotland
A steward desperately holds the intruder who has come within metres of Ronaldo
The invader was helplessly happy with Ronaldo as he was led away by three stewards
The first attempt initially failed when his pursuer slipped, as Ronaldo led a Portuguese attack as the home side tried to stall the clock.
He was then brought in by the guard who had just recovered and who acrobatically held the fan’s clothes while Ronaldo looked on. He had seen this kind of fight before.
Portugal resumed the match via a corner and later saw their victory confirmed when the referee blew the final whistle.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez praised his winning goal after the match and explained the decision to start Ronaldo on the bench.
“The question was whether Ronaldo played the first half and left or whether he came in and finished the game. That was the decision,” Martinez said.
“He is an asset to the national team. When he comes in, when the scorer needs goals, Cris gives energy and a feeling to the fans, the stadium is different.
‘If Cris leaves, it’s the other way around and it facilitates what the opponent would want to do if he plays from Portugal. But the most important thing is the commitment of all the players.
“The players believe in what they can give or do for the national team and are prepared for it. Cristiano has been exemplary as captain,” he added.