Portugal overcame the shock departure of Cristiano Ronaldo from their camp to beat Denmark 4-2 at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen on Thursday, 1 October 2026.
The Nations League Group Stage victory came in the first major test of Portugal’s post-Ronaldo era, after their captain left the squad on Wednesday following his well-known disagreement with manager Jorge Jesus over his omission against Norway.
Joao Cancelo gave the visitors an early lead with a composed finish, but Denmark responded through Mikkel Damsgaard, who converted after an impressive move created by Mohamed Daramy.
Portugal regained control before half-time when Goncalo Ramos, chosen as Ronaldo’s direct replacement in the starting line-up, restored their advantage. The visitors had a slight edge in possession and attacking threat during an entertaining first half, although Denmark also created openings through Rafael Leao and Cancelo.
Bruno Fernandes went close to extending Portugal’s lead shortly after the interval, only for the Denmark goalkeeper to make an excellent save. The home side then punished Portugal on the counter-attack as Rasmus Højlund finished a precise Damsgaard pass to make it 2-2.
Højlund celebrated by copying Ronaldo’s famous “Siiiu” celebration, prompting a strong reaction from the Parken crowd and providing a pointed moment in front of the Portuguese supporters.
Denmark then pressed for a third goal and came close when substitute Gustav Isaksen missed a clear opportunity. Portugal relied on the pace of Fernandes and Leao on the break, and Vitinha eventually restored their lead when he headed home after another swift move in which Fernandes had initially missed with a well-delivered cross.
It was Vitinha’s first international goal and it changed the momentum of the match. Portugal introduced Trincao in an effort to increase their attacking pressure, while Denmark’s defence struggled during the final 15 minutes. Ramos also saw a powerful effort deflected by the home defence.
Denmark continued to push forward in search of another equaliser, at times pinning Portugal back in their own half. Portugal responded with rapid counter-attacks led by Vitinha and Fernandes.
The match also featured a number of tense incidents. Daramy was booked for a late challenge on Fernandes while attempting to chase a pass. Portugal then avoided a potentially decisive setback when a forceful challenge by Ruben Neves was reviewed by the video assistant referee. The referee retained the original decision of a yellow card, without being called to the monitor, meaning Neves avoided a red card.
Portugal made a double substitution to stem Denmark’s momentum and refresh their attack, bringing on Joao Neves and Joao Felix for Pedro Neto and Ramos.
The change had an immediate impact. In the 87th minute, Felix finished a textbook counter-attack to put Portugal 4-2 ahead and end Denmark’s comeback hopes. It was his third goal in three games.
The result leaves Portugal top of the group with nine points from three wins and puts them close to qualification for the next round. Denmark remain second on goal difference despite a -1 record, having scored six and conceded seven, ahead of third-placed Norway, while Wales are bottom.
