Full Time: Denmark 2-4 Portugal. Portugal kept their perfect Nations League record with a lively win at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen on October 1, 2026, overcoming two Danish equalisers with goals from Joao Cancelo, Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha and Joao Felix. The result came barely 24 hours after Cristiano Ronaldo walked out of the national team camp, and the team answered the noise with its best attacking display of the campaign so far.

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The Story Behind the Match: Ronaldo Leaves Camp

The build-up was dominated by events away from the pitch. Ronaldo, who had been an unused substitute in the 2-1 win over Norway on September 27, was told by head coach Jorge Jesus at a Wednesday press conference that he would again begin on the bench against Denmark. Shortly afterwards Ronaldo announced on Instagram that he had decided to leave the training camp, and he departed on a private jet.

Jesus denied any rift, saying there had been "no incident whatsoever" and acknowledging only that a player who warms up for 20 or 30 minutes and does not get on is never happy. The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed the departure and said the remaining 24 players would continue preparing as planned. Ronaldo has 976 international goals and is chasing 1,000, and has hinted that 2026 will likely be his final playing year.

How the Match Unfolded

13' - Denmark 0-1 Portugal. Cancelo intercepted a loose Danish pass and finished with his right foot to give the holders the early lead.

Early in the first half - Denmark 1-1 Portugal. Mikkel Damsgaard curled a shot in from the right channel to level the score, with sources differing slightly on whether the goal came at 20 or 23 minutes.

25' - Denmark 1-2 Portugal. Bruno Fernandes threaded a perfect pass through for Ramos, who guided a low left-footed finish into the corner. It was Ramos's second goal in as many Nations League matches since replacing Ronaldo in the starting line-up.

53' - Denmark 2-2 Portugal. Rasmus Hojlund pulled Denmark level again, then celebrated with Ronaldo's trademark "Siu", a pointed moment given the week's headlines.

67' - Denmark 2-3 Portugal. Fernandes swung in a free kick and Vitinha got ahead of his marker to bury a near-post header.

87' - Denmark 2-4 Portugal. Felix sealed the points late on. It was his third goal in three Nations League matches this season, following his winner against Wales and his opener in Oslo.

Player Spotlight: Bruno Fernandes

Back in the side after missing the Norway match, the Manchester United captain pulled the strings in Copenhagen, creating the assist for Ramos and the free kick that Vitinha headed home. His return gave Portugal's midfield a creative edge that Denmark could not contain.

Tactical Takeaways

  • Ramos Makes the Case: Two goals-involved performances in two games give Jesus a strong argument that his centre-forward choice is working, whatever the debate around Ronaldo.
  • Resilience After Setbacks: Portugal were pegged back twice yet never lost their shape, and a deserved third and fourth goal followed.
  • Set-Piece Threat: With Fernandes delivering, Vitinha's header showed Portugal can win matches from dead balls as well as open play.
  • Felix Keeps Scoring: Three goals in three matches under Jesus has established him as a core part of the new look attack.

Group A4 Standings After Matchday 3

Portugal lead with three wins from three and nine points, ahead of Norway and Denmark, who have three points each from three games, with Wales still searching for their first points. Portugal's win over Wales, victory in Oslo and now this result make them clear favourites to top the group.

What's Next

Portugal host Norway on Sunday, October 4, in the return meeting of two sides who played out a 2-1 thriller in Oslo, while Denmark travel to Wales. The questions for the weekend are whether Ronaldo rejoins the squad, and whether Jesus can keep his unbeaten start going.

Catch up on the earlier matches in the campaign: Norway 1-2 Portugal: Goncalo Ramos Winner Ends Norway's Unbeaten Run as Ronaldo Stays on the Bench and Portugal 1-0 Wales: Joao Felix Strike Wins Jorge Jesus's Debut.

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Sources & Further Reading