Friendly: Ronaldo, Fernandes Help Portugal Extend Unbeaten Run After 2-1 Win Against Chile

Portugal stepped up their World Cup preparations with a narrow 2-1 win over Chile in a feisty friendly at Estadio Nacional.

The result means Portugal are unbeaten in their last four matches – recording three wins and a draw.

Rafael Leao and Chile’s Ivan Roman were both sent off before the break, but second-half strikes from Goncalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes sealed the win for Roberto Martinez’s side.

Portugal came close to opening the scoring twice early on, with Ruben Dias’ header brilliantly saved by Lawrence Vigouroux, before Leao cannoned his shot against the post.

Cristiano Ronaldo then thought he had given Portugal the lead nine minutes before the break, but after finishing coolly under Vigouroux, his strike was ruled out for offside.

However, both sides were reduced to 10 men on the stroke of half-time.

After an initial altercation between Felipe Faundez and Joao Cancelo, players from both sides were involved in a needless scuffle, with Leao and Roman both raising their hands to each other, resulting in their dismissals.

Ronaldo was substituted at the break, and it was his replacement who gave Portugal the lead in the 58th minute. Fernandes’ sensational, defence-splitting pass picked out Guedes, who poked the ball into the bottom-right corner.

Also Read: Friendly: Ogbu Ruled Out Of Portugal Clash With Injury

And the Manchester United skipper capped a fine individual display with a goal 15 minutes from time, sweeping a curling finish beyond Vigouroux from the edge of the area.

Chile threatened a comeback in second-half stoppage time when Lucas Cepeda’s excellent left-footed shot flashed past Rui Silva, but Portugal were able to hold on for the win.

The Portuguese will round off their World Cup preparation next week Wednesday when they will host Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

This would be the second meeting between the two teams, with Portugal winning the first encounter (also a friendly) 4-0 in 2022.