In Copenhagen, Morten Hjulmand gave Atlético de Madrid a full international shift as Denmark restored some much-needed calm with a 2-0 win over Wales at Parken Stadium.
Hjulmand started and completed the match in Denmark’s midfield, operating in a double pivot alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. The Danes took the points through an own goal from Davies and a strike by Isaksen, producing a result that eases pressure after a difficult spell for the national side.
Sunday’s fixture was the only international engagement involving an Atlético player. For Hjulmand, it offered both a complete 90 minutes and a timely lift before Denmark’s next Nations League tests.
Denmark look for momentum
The victory carries particular value after Denmark’s recent setbacks. Their World Cup hopes ended in the play-offs, while the opening matchday of the Nations League brought defeat against Norway.
There remains debate among Danish supporters over the Hjulmand-Hojbjerg partnership. Some feel the side need greater invention in central areas, especially against opponents regarded as less imposing than Wales. Hojbjerg had previously been a target for Atlético.
For now, the immediate task is to turn a reassuring home result into a productive international window. Denmark host Portugal on Thursday before travelling to Wales for the return match on Sunday, with six points their target from the two games.
