Ronaldo scores again in the Nations League victory for perfect Portugal. Spain finds replacement for Rodri

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo He scored his record-breaking 133rd international goal in a 3-1 win over Poland on Saturday to give Portugal the lead in the Nations League, and Spain struck late to beat Denmark 1-0.

The 39-year-old superstar was there to grab the rebound after Rafael Leão's shot hit the post in the 37th minute. That made it 2-0 after Bernardo Silva's opening goal in Warsaw in the 26th minute.

After failing to score in his five appearances at the European Championships this summer – Portugal were eliminated in the quarterfinals – Ronaldo has scored in three straight Nations League games, including wins over him Croatia – his 900th career goal – and Scotland last month.

Portugal coach Roberto Martínez replaced Ronaldo with Diogo Jota just under half an hour before the end of the game.

Midfielder Piotr Zielinski halved the deficit for the hosts in the 78th minute, only for Southampton defender Jan Bednarek to score an own goal two minutes from time.

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski started alongside Karol Swiderski, but the Polish attacking pair could not get past the Portuguese defense.

“We have worked very hard in the last few days, prepared different solutions for this game and we were able to show that on the pitch. I'm really happy because we controlled this game,” said Martínez. “I am also happy with the performance of Renato Veiga and Rúben Dias against one of the best in the world (in Lewandowski).”

Portugal leads Group A1 with nine points from three games. Second-placed Croatia have six points after beating Scotland 2-1 in Zagreb, with the visitors scoring an equalizer in second-half stoppage time which was ruled out by the video referee. Poland has three points and Scotland zero.

Scot Ryan Christie opened the scoring in the 33rd minute for the Scots and their under-fire manager Steve Clarke. Igor Matanovic equalized three minutes later and Andrej Kramaric completed the comeback in the 70th minute.

Scotland had the ball right in the net when substitute Che Adams was involved, but the VAR confirmed it was offside.

Zubimendi shines in Rodri's place

Martín Zubimendi helped Spain crack Denmark's defense when the defensive midfielder played for him Rodri injured.

The Real Sociedad player unleashed a powerful volley in the 79th minute, firing a rebound from outside the penalty area past Kasper Schmeichel, who had the ball in his hands but was unable to keep it away.

Zubimendi impressed in the Euro 2024 final when he replaced Rodri in the second half of Spain's 2-1 win over England. Rodri seriously injured his right knee and required cruciate ligament surgery while playing for Manchester City last month.

“Martín is a treasure,” said Spain coach Luis de la Fuente. “I expect he will attract more attention with his goal, but his game and the fact that he has a computer in his brain means we are privileged to have him at a time when Rodri will be out for a while.”

Spain were also missing Nico Williams and Dani Olmo, two other players who excelled at the European Championships and are out due to minor injuries.

Spain, the defending Nations League champions, have seven points in Group A4 after three games. Denmark has six points and Serbia four after beating pointless Switzerland 2-0.

The Swiss didn't help their cause with an own goal from Nico Elvedi shortly before half-time.

Aleksandar Mitrovic doubled Serbia's lead with a solo effort in the 61st minute, and Serbia goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic saved a penalty shot by Breel Embolo.

Victories for Kosovo, Romania

Kosovo won 2-1 at Lithuania in League C, while Romania beat Cyprus 3-0, Northern Ireland drew 0-0 at Belarus and Bulgaria drew 0-0 at home to Luxembourg.

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