Portugal left Copenhagen with a 4-2 win over Denmark and a perfect start to their Nations League campaign, showing little disruption after Cristiano Ronaldo departed the squad on the eve of the match following differences with coach Jorge Jesus.
At a lively Parken Stadium, Bruno Fernandes wore the captain’s armband as Portugal made it three victories from three in Group A4. The Nations League holders now have nine points, while Denmark remain on three alongside Wales and Norway.
Rúben Neves, Vitinha and Rafael Leão came into the Portuguese side after the win in Norway. Leão also took Ronaldo’s number seven shirt, while Gonçalo Ramos again led the attack after scoring in Oslo in Ronaldo’s place.
Portugal seize control early
The visitors took command from the opening minutes and went ahead in the 12th minute through João Cancelo. Ramos had struck the post at the start of the move, then combined with Cancelo before the full-back lifted a delicate finish over Denmark goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.
Leão came close to doubling the lead soon afterwards, only for Hermansen and defender Oliver Provstgaard to deny him in quick succession. Denmark nevertheless found a response through Mikkel Damsgaard, whose curling effort into the far corner brought the hosts level in the 23rd minute.
Portugal replied almost immediately. Ramos began a rapid break with an inventive backheel in midfield, Fernandes returned the ball into his path, and the Milan forward beat the advancing Hermansen to restore the visitors’ advantage in the 25th minute.
Denmark rally, then Portugal pull away
Gustav Isaksen’s introduction at half-time gave Denmark fresh momentum. Their equaliser in the 53rd minute came from a fine move built from deep, with Damsgaard releasing Rasmus Højlund through the middle. The Napoli striker clipped his finish past Diogo Costa and celebrated in Ronaldo’s familiar style.
For a spell, Denmark threatened to turn the evening in their favour. Portugal regained their footing, however, and Hermansen first kept out a Rúben Neves attempt before being beaten again in the 67th minute.
Fernandes supplied his second assist of the night, delivering to the far post for Vitinha to guide a bouncing header beyond the Danish goalkeeper.
Portugal made the points secure three minutes from time. Diogo Dalot led the counterattack and found substitute João Félix, who finished to make it 4-2. Félix, Ronaldo’s Al Nassr teammate, has now scored in each of Portugal’s three Nations League fixtures.
The result keeps Portugal clear at the summit of the section, with the trip to Copenhagen becoming an emphatic answer on the pitch to the absence that dominated the build-up.
