Cristiano Ronaldo had the opportunity to wrap up three points for Portugal against Ireland, but the five-time Ballon d’Or winner saw his penalty kick saved by former Liverpool man Caoimhin Kelleher.
Portugal endured a frustrating 70 minutes at the Estádio José Alvalade on Saturday evening. Despite dominating possession and mustering over 20 shots, the 2025 UEFA Nations League champions could not get themselves on the scoresheet against Ireland.
The hosts finally thought they found a breakthrough in the 75th minute when Ronaldo stepped up to the spot after Dara O’Shea was whistled for a handball inside the box. Except the Portugal captain was denied by Kelleher to keep the game scoreless.
Ronaldo sent his spot kick down the middle, which was parried away from goal by Kelleher’s right leg as the Irish keeper dove to ground.
Kelleher, who completed his move from Liverpool to Brentford this summer, was surrounded by his teammates as he celebrated what looked to be a game-saving stop for Ireland. The 26-year-old’s last three penalty saves have now come against Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Kylian Mbappé.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, could only hold his head in the hands following his miss. The goal would have been his 142nd for the Portugal national team, and his ninth for both club and country in 2025–26.
