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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Ronaldo not in Portugal's starting XI</li><li>Dropped to bench after scoring in Croatia win</li><li>Roberto Martinez explains decision</li></ul>

Cristiano Ronaldo BENCHED for Portugal's Nations League clash with Scotland in surprise move from Roberto Martinez

Ronaldo scored the winner in Portugal's opening Nations League outing against Croatia on Thursday, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/why-900-goal-cristiano-ronaldo-wont-give-up-any-time-soon-al-nassr-superstar-enjoying-hero-worship-portugal/blt3ef911d4983909aa" target="_blank">bringing up his 900th career goal</a> in the process. However, the 39-year-old Al-Nassr striker did not retain his place in the starting XI for the visit of Scotland, with Liverpool's Diogo Jota taking his place upfront.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">📋👀 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PartilhaAPaix%C3%A3o?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PartilhaAPaixão</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationsLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationsLeague</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PORSCO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PORSCO</a> <a href="https://t.co/DVUJ53e34l">pic.twitter.com/DVUJ53e34l</a>— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) <a href="https://twitter.com/selecaoportugal/status/1832841270286233830?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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WHAT HAPPENED?

Portugal boss Roberto Martinez explained the decision to leave Ronaldo out of his lineup in a pre-match interview with RTP, saying: "It's tactical. I want to spread the effort. The format of playing two games in 72 hours, Cristiano was the player with the most sprints against Croatia and it's just a question of protecting the player and having an option on the bench."

WHAT ROBERTO MARTINEZ SAID

Nelson Semedo, Antonio Silva and Joao Palhinha were also drafted into the Portugal lineup as Martinez made four chances to the side that beat Croatia, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/cristiano-ronaldo-portugal-wonderkid-geovany-quenda-embarrassed-meet-him-father-role-roberto-martinez-squad/blt6f7d93727c17f309" target="_blank">while Sporting CP wonderkid Geovany Quenda</a> joined Ronaldo among the substitutes. When asked if he spoke to Ronaldo directly before announcing the team, Martinez added: "He is our captain and he knows that it is very important for us. It is also important to manage the effort. We have four new players in the eleven, plus two who played 45 minutes. Cristiano had a great game against Croatia and it is important to protect him."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Ronaldo will return to Saudi Arabia later this week ahead of Al-Nassr's next league game against Al-Ahli on September 13. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has hit two goals in his first two Saudi Pro League appearances this season and will be out to increase his tally as Al-Nassr chase down leaders Al-Hilal.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Cristiano Ronaldo BENCHED for Portugal's Nations League clash with Scotland in surprise move from Roberto Martinez | Goal.com

Cristiano Ronaldo was surprisingly named on the bench for Portugal&apos;s Nations League clash with Scotland on Sunday night.