Portugal endured a painful night in Braga. In their first match following Cristiano Ronaldo's international retirement, the Portuguese national team suffered a 4-1 defeat against Denmark in the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League, as the result overshadowed the emotional tributes to their legendary captain.
ALL GOALS: Portugal vs Denmark | UEFA Nations League
ALL GOALS: Portugal vs Denmark | UEFA Nations League
AN EMOTIONAL FAREWELL ENDS IN A HEAVY DEFEAT
Before kickoff, Portugal's players took the field wearing shirts featuring Ronaldo's name and iconic No. 7. Fans displayed a banner reading "Obrigado, Capitão" (Thank you, Captain), while the stadium erupted in applause in the seventh minute. The forward ended his international career with 146 goals in 234 appearances.
This was Portugal's fourth consecutive match without Cristiano and the third in which he was not even included in the squad.
DENMARK CAPITALIZE ON MISTAKES TO CLAIM HISTORIC WIN
Denmark opened the scoring in the 44th minute when Pierre-Emile Højbjerg converted a penalty awarded after Rúben Dias handled the ball. In the 51st minute, Rasmus Højlund doubled the lead with a spectacular left-footed volley following a cross from Mikkel Damsgaard.
The Napoli striker completed his brace in the 58th minute, beating Renato Veiga before unleashing a powerful shot from outside the box. Denmark's rout was completed in the 76th minute when Joachim Andersen headed home a cross from the right. Bernardo Silva pulled one back in the 90+4th minute after capitalizing on a rebound inside the penalty area.
The 4-1 result marked Portugal's heaviest home defeat in a competitive match and their biggest loss in UEFA Nations League history. It was also Jorge Jesus' first defeat in charge of the national team after four consecutive victories.
UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE GROUP STANDINGS
Despite the defeat, Portugal remain top of Group A4 with 12 points and have already secured their place in the quarterfinals. Denmark moved up to nine points and remain in second place, three points ahead of Norway.
On the final matchday, Denmark will face Norway in a direct battle, while Portugal travel to take on Wales. A draw will be enough for Denmark to secure qualification.
DENMARK ROUT PORTUGAL IN THE POST-CRISTIANO RONALDO ERA
- HISTORIC DEFEAT: Denmark thrashed Portugal 4-1 in Braga, handing them their heaviest defeat in UEFA Nations League history.
- TRIBUTE TO CRISTIANO: Portugal played their fourth match without Ronaldo and honored their legendary captain with special jerseys, banners and a standing ovation in the seventh minute.
- GROUP STANDINGS: Portugal remain top of Group A4 with 12 points, while Denmark sit second with nine and are close to securing their quarterfinal spot.
