Portugal overcome Denmark 4-2 in first post-Cristiano Ronaldo test

Portugal responded to the dramatic departure of Cristiano Ronaldo by beating Denmark 4-2 at Parken in Copenhagen on Thursday, strengthening their position at the top of their UEFA Nations League group.

Ronaldo left the Portugal camp on Wednesday after a dispute with manager Jorge Jesus over his omission from the match against Norway. His absence placed the focus firmly on whether Portugal could continue without their long-standing captain.

They answered with a fourth win in three matches, taking their total to nine points and moving closer to qualification for the next round. Denmark remain second despite a -1 goal difference, having scored six and conceded seven, while Norway are third and Wales sit bottom.

Portugal started quickly and took the lead when Joao Cancelo produced a neat finish. Denmark levelled through Mikkel Damsgaard after an excellent move created by Mohamed Daramy.

The visitors regained control before half-time when Goncalo Ramos, selected as Ronaldo’s direct replacement in the starting line-up, restored their advantage. Portugal had the greater share of possession and posed the bigger threat, although Denmark continued to look dangerous.

Bruno Fernandes came close to extending the lead soon after the restart, only for Denmark’s goalkeeper to make an impressive save. Portugal were punished moments later when Rasmus Højlund finished a swift counter-attack set up by Damsgaard.

Højlund celebrated by copying Ronaldo’s trademark “Siiiu” celebration, provoking a strong response from the Parken crowd and adding another layer to an already charged occasion.

Denmark then pushed hard for a third goal and Gustav Isaksen missed a good opportunity. Portugal relied increasingly on the pace of Bruno Fernandes and Rafael Leao on the break.

Vitinha eventually put Portugal back in front with his first international goal, heading home after another rapid attack in which Fernandes had earlier failed to convert a dangerous cross. The goal changed the momentum of the contest.

Portugal made a double substitution, bringing on Joao Neves and Joao Felix for Pedro Neto and Goncalo Ramos as they looked to handle Denmark’s pressure and maintain an attacking threat.

The closing stages brought significant tension. Daramy was booked for a late challenge on Fernandes, while Ruben Neves escaped a potential red card after a forceful tackle was reviewed by VAR. The referee kept the decision at a yellow card without being called to the monitor.

Denmark continued to press for an equaliser, but Portugal’s counter-attacks, led by Vitinha and Fernandes, repeatedly unsettled the home defence. Joao Felix then settled the match in the 87th minute, finishing a well-executed break to make it 4-2.

It was Felix’s third goal in three games and completed a convincing Portugal victory, despite the turmoil surrounding Ronaldo’s departure and the dispute involving Jesus.