Portugal made an emphatic statement in Copenhagen, producing an entertaining attacking display to beat Denmark in a thrilling contest at Parken Stadium — despite the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo.

In the first match following Ronaldo's walkout, Jorge Jesus saw his side play with pace, confidence and attacking intent. Joao Cancelo opened the scoring for Portugal, but Mikkel Damsgaard quickly responded with a spectacular strike from distance that left the visitors' defence with little chance.

The game continued at full speed. Goncalo Ramos restored Portugal's lead after a precise assist from Bruno Fernandes, only for Rasmus Hojlund to level the contest once again after the break.

Portugal, however, had another gear. Vitinha arrived from deep to meet Fernandes' cross and put the visitors back in front, before Joao Felix delivered the decisive blow on a lightning-fast counter-attack.

UEFA Nations League 2026-27

Denmark - Portugal 2:4 (1:2)
Goals: Cancelo, 13 (0:1); Damsgaard M., 23 (1:1); Ramos G., 25 (1:2); Höjlund R., 53 (2:2); Vitinha F., 67 (2:3); Félix J., 87 (2:4)

Denmark: Hermansen; Andersen J.; Provstgaard; Kristensen R.; Christensen A.; Maehle (Nartey, 80); Hjulmand (Froholdt, 74); Damsgaard M. (Högh K., 85); Hojbjerg; Höjlund R.; Daghim (Isaksen G., 46); Daramy
Substitution: Isaksen G. (from 46); Froholdt (from 74); Nartey (from 80); Högh K. (from 85)
Bench: Jungdal; Jörgensen F.; Hogsberg; Gaaei; Nelsson V.; Jørgensen T.; Skov Olsen; Bidstrup
Yellow Cards: Daramy 79

Portugal: Costa D.; Dias R.; Veiga; Mendes N.; Cancelo (Dalot, 63); Vitinha F.; Fernandes B. (Araújo T., 90); Ruben Neves; Leão R. (Trincão, 63); Ramos G. (Neves J. P., 81); Pedro Neto (Félix J., 81)
Substitution: Dalot (from 63); Trincão (from 63); Félix J. (from 81); Neves J. P. (from 81); Araújo T. (from 90)
Bench: Rui Silva; Soares S.; Tavares N.; Inacio; Palhinha; Bernardo Silva; Fábio Silva
Yellow Cards: Ruben Neves 82