Portugal beat Denmark 4-2 in Nations League after Ronaldo squad exit

Six-goal contest in Copenhagen

Portugal defeated Denmark 4-2 at Parken Stadium on Thursday in the third round of UEFA Nations League Group A4 fixtures. Head coach Jorge Jesus made four changes from the previous match in Norway, fielding Bruno Fernandes as captain and Rafael Leão in the number seven shirt. The visitors opened the scoring in the 13th minute when Gonçalo Ramos hit the post and combined with João Cancelo, who chipped the ball over Danish goalkeeper Mads Hermansen. Denmark answered ten minutes later through Mikkel Damsgaard, who converted a pass from Joakim Mæhle following a run by Mohamed Daramy. Portugal reclaimed the lead in the 25th minute when Fernandes delivered a long pass to Ramos, who finished past Hermansen to make it 2-1 before half-time.

It is always good to score, it is always good to contribute, it is always good also to provide an assist as I did, but the most important thing is the victory.

Second-half response and milestones

Denmark levelled the match again in the 53rd minute when Rasmus Højlund received a pass from Damsgaard and beat Diogo Costa in a one-on-one situation. Portugal restored their advantage in the 67th minute as Vitinha scored with a header, registering his first international goal in 46 senior caps. Substitute João Félix, who entered the pitch in the 81st minute, completed the scoreline in the 87th minute after an assist from fellow substitute Diogo Dalot. The goal was the 15th in 60 caps for the 26-year-old Félix, drawing him level with Rui Jordão in 15th place on Portugal's all-time scoring chart. Cancelo and Ramos also reached 13 international goals each, matching Fernando Peyroteo, Matateu and Fernando Gomes in 20th place on the national scoring list.

Group A4 standings and squad reaction

The victory kept Portugal at the top of Group A4 with a maximum of nine points from three matches, following earlier wins against Wales (1-0) and Norway (2-1). Denmark, Norway and Wales sit tied on three points each after Wales won their match on the same day. Portugal played without Cristiano Ronaldo following his departure from the team camp, marking his 29th official absence in over 23 years with the national team. In those 29 matches without Ronaldo, Portugal recorded 19 victories, four draws and six defeats. Jorge Jesus praised the squad performance after the match, directing attention toward the upcoming fixture at the Estádio do Dragão.

A victory with a lot of quality that the Portuguese team had here today. With four goals, a display, in my opinion, at a high level.

Player perspectives after Ronaldo departure

Winger Rafael Leão addressed the team dynamic after wearing the number seven jersey during the victory in Copenhagen. Leão stated that the squad stayed organized against a physical Danish side and converted their opportunities cleanly. Vitinha noted that the performance represented the team's best display across the three group games as players adapt to tactical instructions from Jorge Jesus. Portugal now prepare to return home for their next fixture at Estádio do Dragão, holding a six-point lead at the midpoint of the group stage.

That is a matter that does not concern us. We showed that we are a great group. He, at home, is certainly happy with the victory.