Ronaldo-mania hits Hampton, but Portugal fight back against Scotland | League of Nations

Those with pitchforks in Steve Clarke's direction couldn't have enjoyed it. Not making unnecessary history, not a fifth defeat in a row. The run of form extended to one win in 16 games, but the attitude displayed by the hosts in Glasgow's south side was entirely down to their manager.

Cristiano Ronaldo's 134th international goal disallowed. In fact, it's not like he actually collects it. Scotland will take great heart from the slight blow made here. Not only did they scrape together a form that made this team so generally successful, but there was a level of organization that owed a lot to efficient coaching. Clark's detractors should take note. Ronaldo stormed off the field.

Ronaldo-mania has gripped Paisley – where Portugal trained on Monday – and their hotel on the shores of Loch Lomond. Ronaldo was content to accommodate the masses.

The sight of the Scottish youth in Ronaldo strips at Hampton Park underscored the theory that this was no ordinary match. The 39-year-old had never played on this ground before; The Nations League allowed him to follow in the footsteps of Pele, Maradona, Puskas and Beckenbauer onto the Hampden pitch.

Roberto Martinez talked about managing Ronaldo's minutes before this tie, but left him to lead the Portuguese attack. They might have appreciated the moment if Scotland hadn't needed the uphill route.

Another former Manchester United player should have opened the scoring less than four minutes later. Instead, Scott McTominay put a free header from Andy Robertson's cross straight into the hands of Diogo Costa. It felt like a waste of an opportunity for Scotland.

Scotland's problem in the opening half hour was conceding more free-kicks than would normally be healthy within 30 yards of their own goal. The visitors were left futile until Nuno Mendes' dipping set-piece forced Craig Gordon.

It quickly developed into an awkward, tense affair. Hampton was left with a laugh as Ronaldo and Mendes slotted another free-kick between them. It was already that kind of evening.

McTominay's chance proved to be the only clear-cut chance of the first period. For all Portugal's possession dominance, Scotland could take note of Ronaldo dropping deeper and influencing proceedings.

The applause that followed the half-time whistle was in response to another mind-blowing 45 Scottish minutes in a Nations League campaign that has hurt results.

Two minutes into the second half, Ronaldo's header cleared Garden's bar after meeting Portugal captain Diogo Jota's cross. Francisco Conceição's shot met the same fate. Martinez clearly used the break to impress upon his team that they need to be more creative. Scotland have been in this movie before – several times recently, in fact, and the post-interval capitulation was wary.

The catalyst for Martinez's change was the sight of Bruno Fernandes curling a corner against the near post. Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leo and Ruben Neves came into the field. Ronaldo wasn't particularly effective at anything beyond his criticism of the referee. Portugal changed their mascot to an international type.

With 20 minutes to play, Portugal were camped inside Scotland's half. Clarke has called on Ryan Gould and Lewis Morgan to provide fresh energy in the final three, but it's all about resilience. Plus, of course the question is whether Portugal can continue in such blatant fashion.

Scotland almost showed Ronaldo and co how to do it. Anthony Ralston's cross narrowly evades McTominay. Portugal emerged victorious from the chaos that ensued. Ronaldo's next move was to shoot wide for Scotland to appeal in vain while they controlled the ball.

Rúben Dias' scathing complaints – Portugal looking for a corner that wasn't offered – epitomized the growing frustration. Gordon stepped it up and three minutes later, after some build-up work from Leo, made a brilliant save to deny Fernandez from opening the scoring. The Tartan army breathed.

At full-time they heralded Clarke and his weary players. This is only a point; The nature of how it was achieved was felt to be of absolute importance.