Portugal face Denmark in first match of post-Ronaldo era as Nations League campaign continues

Portugal will begin life without Cristiano Ronaldo when they face Denmark in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday, with Jorge Jesus’ side already through to the quarter-finals.

Portugal have won all four of their Group A4 matches, collecting 12 points to sit top of the section. They are six points clear of Denmark, whom they defeated 4-2 in the reverse fixture in early October.

The Selecao das Quinas have also beaten Norway twice and Wales once. They will finish their group campaign away to Wales on 17 November.

Portugal are the holders of the 2024-25 Nations League, having beaten Spain on penalties in the final, and are seeking a third title after also winning the competition in 2018-19.

Ronaldo’s international retirement means this match will formally mark a new era for Portugal. The 7 shirt will be without its long-time owner, who has not been included in the squad.

Denmark are second in Group A4 on six points, three ahead of both Wales and Norway. Brian Riemer’s team began with a 3-2 defeat by Norway, then beat Wales 2-0 before losing 4-2 to Portugal. A 1-0 victory over Wales in their most recent match has left them in control of their qualification hopes.

The Danes need four points from their final two games against Portugal and Norway to guarantee a quarter-final place. However, three points could be enough, depending on the head-to-head tiebreaking criteria.

Denmark have won only four of their previous 19 meetings with Portugal in all competitions. Their most recent victory came in the first leg of a Nations League quarter-final in March 2025, when they won 1-0. Portugal responded with a 5-2 victory in the second leg to progress 5-3 on aggregate.

Portugal’s Nations League form is VVVV, while their overall record is VDVVVV. Denmark’s corresponding records are DVDV and NVDVDV.

Joao Cancelo and Francisco Conceicao are suspended for Portugal, while Ronaldo is absent following his retirement. Nuno Mendes is injured, potentially allowing Monaco’s Flavio Nazinho to make his debut at left-back.

Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and Joao Neves could form the midfield three, with Goncalo Ramos expected to lead the attack.

Denmark have no suspended players, although six are one booking away from a ban. Patrick Dorgu is a notable absentee after recently recovering from a hamstring injury suffered during the previous international break. Rasmus Højlund, who has scored 16 goals in 39 appearances for Denmark, is expected to start up front, with Victor Frøholdt also in contention for an attacking role.

The three suggested bets are Porto to win and fewer than 4.5 goals at 1.82, Joao Felix to be decisive at 1.80, and Bruno Fernandes to be decisive at 1.82.

Denmark should be capable of making the contest difficult and are expected to score, but Portugal are backed to maintain their perfect record in this season’s competition.