Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United scored the equaliser as Portugal rallied to defeat Scotland 2-1 in Lisbon’s Estádio da Luz.

Portugal went down just seven minutes into their second Nations League group match, as ex-United midfielder Scott McTominay headed in a wonderful cross.

Portugal upped the ante in pursuit of parity, but was generally foiled by the Tartan Army’s tenacious defence.

Nine minutes after the break, Fernandes produced a stroke of genius by hitting the ball first time from outside the box into the bottom corner. Angus Gunn got a hand on it but couldn’t stop the United captain’s incredible effort.

It appeared that both teams would have to settle for a share of the points, but Cristiano Ronaldo, who came on from the bench at halftime, had other plans. The Red Devils legend chipped in the ball from close range to give the Selecao the lead in the dying moments of the game, breaking the hearts of Scottish fans.

Fernandes played the entire game, accumulating 98 ball touches. He was successful in finding his countrymen with 56 of the 64 passes he attempted, achieving an individual pass accuracy of 88%. He made six critical passes.

The United playmaker attempted to connect on 14 crosses and four long balls. He hit his desired aim with only one cross and all four long balls he pinged.

Fernandes created two huge opportunities.

Aside from the goal he scored, he had another shot on goal that forced Gunn to intervene instantly.

Fernandes, who turned 29 today, attempted three dribbles and completed two of them. He competed in 13 ground duels, winning eight of them.

The player failed the one aerial task he was supposed to complete.

He drew two fouls and made four stops.

Diogo Dalot, Fernandes’ United colleague, was thrown into the action late in the game and won the one ground duel he competed in while touching the ball 18 times. He completed all 18 passes, including two important passes.