Roberto Martinez, coach of the Portugal national team, explained the reason why Cristiano Ronaldo did not start in the match against Scotland.

The Portuguese national team met its guest, Scotland, yesterday evening, Sunday, as part of a competition. European Nations League competition, and Ronaldo's presence on the Portugal national team's substitute bench in today's match against Scotland.

Martinez said in his statement to the media before the start of the match, that he preferred not to field Cristiano. Ronaldo is in the starting lineup, in order to rest him after he played a great match against Croatia.

The Portugal national team coach added: “Cristiano is a reference for us. He performed wonderfully against Croatia, and it is important to protect him and rest him.”

He continued: “It is about distributing the effort. The system of playing two matches in 72 hours is exhausting, and Ronaldo made a great effort against Croatia, and we have options on the bench in addition to 11.” He is a key player, and the important thing is to get the three points.”