Watch: Barcelona star Joao Cancelo’s stunning golazo vs Norway | OneFootball

Barcelona full-back Joao Cancelo is carrying serious momentum into the next phase of the season, and his latest display for Portugal only strengthens the case that he is playing some of his best football in recent months.

Cancelo was one of Portugal’s standout performers against Norway, producing a superb goal to help his side fight back after falling behind. 

The strike was a subtle reminder of the attacking threat he can provide from full-back, with his confidence in front of goal continuing to grow.

His recent numbers make the surge even more notable, as Cancelo has now scored against Denmark during the international break, while he also found the net twice for Barcelona against Racing Santander before joining up with Portugal.

Cancelo turns Nuno Mendes’ throw into a goal

Portugal were trailing 0-1 when Cancelo produced the moment that changed the game. 

Nuno Mendes sent a long throw towards the edge of the penalty area, with the ball bouncing into Cancelo’s path.

The Barcelona defender did not hesitate. He met the delivery with a fierce right-footed strike that flew beyond Norway goalkeeper Egil Selvik and brought Portugal level.

His timing and technique allowed him to turn what initially looked like a routine throw-in into a genuine goalscoring opportunity.

Barcelona benefiting from Cancelo’s attacking threat

Cancelo’s international form is particularly encouraging for Barcelona because it has followed an equally productive spell at club level.

He scored twice against Racing Santander at Camp Nou before the international break, although one of those goals was officially recorded as an own goal after a slight deflection. 

Cancelo has scored twice for Portugal during the current international break. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

Even so, Cancelo was heavily involved in both moments and has continued to look dangerous around the opposition box.

Across the international break, he has scored twice in four matches for Portugal.

Cancelo making his impact count

What makes the run more impressive is that Cancelo’s influence has arrived despite Xavi Espart featuring in Barcelona’s opening matches. 

The Portuguese defender has still established himself as an important attacking outlet.

For Barça, a full-back who can create and finish chances gives the team another route to goal, and Cancelo’s current confidence could make that attacking contribution increasingly valuable as club football resumes.