Twitter explodes as Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal come from behind to secure 1-1 draw against Spain in UEFA Nations League

Ronaldo and the Selecao come from behind to secure 1-1 draw

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal drew 1-1 against Spain in their first group stage of the UEFA Nations League, to the dismay of both their fans, with each side intent on picking up all three points. Portugal manager Fernando Santos' decision to keep Ronaldo out of the starting lineup backfired as his side struggled to score.

Cristiano Ronaldo was brought on after just an hour as the Navigators failed to find a clinical route to the goal. The Manchester United forward's inclusion could only do so much for the side, but they eventually made headway late in the game.

The game started off with a number of fouls on both sides. Scoring chances seemed to evade both teams, but the Spaniards quickly took control of the proceedings, forcing their counterparts on the backfoot. Luis Enrique's men proceeded with vigor, and they were soon rewarded with a goal mid-way through the first half.

It was a lethal counter-attack that gave La Roja the opening goal, as the Portuguese faltered against the speed and strength of the Spaniards. Barcelona youngster Gavi played the ball into Pablo Sarabia, and the Paris Saint-Germain star flicked it to Alvaro Morata, who tapped Spain into the lead.

The game continued to provide plenty of life, especially from Luis Enrique's men, who seemed intent on adding another to their lead. However, they would end up sharing points with Portugal, thanks to sloppy defending in the second half.

The second half sees Portugal equalize against Spain, with Cristiano Ronaldo present on the pitch

Fans were certainly pleased with the inclusion of their key marksman in the second half, as Cristiano Ronaldo came on to the pitch in the 62nd minute.

He couldn't do much to add to his record tally of goals for Portugal, but it was Ricardo Horta who remarkably put the side back in the game. In the closing minutes of the game, with 82 minutes already gone, the striker took advantage of Spain's complacent defense to add his name to the scoresheet.

Joao Cancelo marauded down the right flank and sent it to Horta, who provided the finish needed to snatch a point.

Here is how Twitter reacted to the draw between the two European football juggernauts:

🤣🤣🤣Bruno off then 5 seconds later.. Portugal scores? Not a coincidence

Ronaldo getting at least 4 goals in the wc

Alvarez winning in England

Haaland scoring for Norway

Cancelo assisting for Portugal

This is football and it’s all curated at Etihad

Cancelo à City Cancelo en Selecao https://t.co/NivCp0GcHm

Spain 1-1 PORTUGAL

Horta levels to score! He was able to tap the ball into the bottom corner following a fantastic cross from Cancelo.

Sarabia was close to getting Spain's second goal

Spain haven't beaten Portugal at home since 1958. https://t.co/YZP9rm8bQB

Ronaldo is back! The game is back!

Portugal 1-1 Spain!

Horta 🔥

Ronaldo changing a game against Spain at 37 is crazy.

Spain are still in pain about that Hatrick against them.

Lol

@TheEuropeanLad Ronaldo drawing vs this spain superteam he’s the goat🐐

I don’t understand such an important UEFA Nations League match between Spain and Portugal but why Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t play today. Such a shame on the coach.

Santos is the Diego Simeone of international football. Portugal should have won that game tonight if they would have attacked more. #SpainPortugal

Good result for the Seleção but the result far better than the performance. Spain dominated most of the 90 minutes and at times Portugal chasing shadows. Portugal's best players were Pepe and... Danilo. Yes, nobody likes him as the CB option but fair's fair, he did well tonight.