Portugal shrug off Ronaldo drama to sweep aside Denmark

Updated: Oct 2, 2026, 05:09 am

Portugal displayed no ill effects from the drama surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo as the UEFA Nations League holders brushed aside Denmark on Thursday to maintain their perfect record in this season's competition.

Just 24 hours on from Ronaldo walking out on the Portugal camp after coach Jorge Jesus said the star forward would again start from the substitutes' bench, Portugal secured an impressive 4-2 in Copenhagen.

Gonçalo Ramos celebrates his goal for Portugal against Denmark.
Gonçalo Ramos celebrates his goal for Portugal against Denmark.
PAULO NOVAIS/EPA/Shutterstock

Gonçalo Ramos, who has taken the 41-year-old forward's place, set up João Cancelo's opener, then responded with Portugal's second goal two minutes after Mikkel Damsgaard equalized in the 23rd.

Rasmus Højlund drew Denmark level again in the 53rd and followed it up by performing Ronaldo's iconic "Siu" celebration. Vitinha restored Portugal's lead with a near-post header to Bruno Fernandes' free kick in the 67th and João Félix made sure of the win in the 87th.

Portugal will round out the international window by hosting Norway on Sunday, when Denmark will visit Wales.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.