Portugal’s first match without Cristiano Ronaldo ended in the worst way imaginable. On a night in Braga that was supposed to celebrate the greatest player in the country’s history, Denmark tore up the script and handed the hosts a crushing 4-1 defeat in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday.
Rasmus Hojlund scored twice as Denmark produced a ruthless display at the Estadio Municipal de Braga, while Portugal looked lost without the man whose name was on every shirt. It was Portugal’s worst home defeat, and their first loss under coach Jorge Jesus after four straight wins.
The evening had begun with tributes. Portugal’s players and mascots walked out wearing Ronaldo’s famous No. 7 shirt with his name on the back, and supporters in the stands unfurled a banner honouring the 41-year-old. By full time, the mood had turned to jeers.
Denmark strike early and never let go
Denmark captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg opened the scoring from the penalty spot before half time after Ruben Dias was punished for handball. It was the breakthrough the visitors deserved, and Portugal never recovered.
Hojlund, who has made a habit of scoring against big teams, then took over. The striker scored twice to put Denmark firmly in control, and Joachim Andersen’s header in the 75th minute made it 4-0. Bernardo Silva pulled one back three minutes into added time, but by then the damage was done. Even that consolation goal needed a VAR check before it stood.
Portugal had arrived at the match top of League A Group 4 with a perfect record, having already secured a place in the quarter-finals. Denmark, though, played like the team with everything to gain, pressing high, winning second balls and punishing every Portuguese mistake.
A new era begins with a jolt
Ronaldo announced his international retirement on social media last week, bringing down the curtain on a career that began with his debut in 2003. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal, both world records, and led the country to the Euro 2016 title.
His exit followed a public falling-out with Jesus after he was left out of a Nations League match in September. The Portuguese football federation handed him a 30-day suspension, and the 41-year-old then announced his retirement.
Saturday’s match was meant to show that Portugal could move on. Instead, it showed how much work lies ahead. The team lacked leadership in the big moments, the defence looked uncertain, and the attack rarely threatened. Midfielder Joao Palhinha admitted the performance was disappointing, but insisted the team would bounce back in the final group game.
What the result means for the group
Portugal remain top of Group A4 on 12 points, three ahead of Denmark, with Norway third on six and Wales bottom on three. One round of league-phase matches remains, with Wales hosting Portugal and Denmark at home to Norway on Tuesday.
A draw against Norway will be enough for Denmark to join Portugal in the quarter-finals. Norway beat Wales 3-1 in Oslo on Saturday, with Antonio Nusa and Andreas Schjelderup scoring before Erling Haaland sealed the win with a late penalty.
For Portugal, the defeat changes little in the table but plenty in the mood. They are already through, yet the manner of the loss, on a night built around Ronaldo’s farewell, will sting. Jesus now has a short window before Tuesday’s trip to Wales to show that this team can stand on its own.
FAQs
What was the score between Portugal and Denmark?
Denmark beat Portugal 4-1 in the UEFA Nations League at the Estadio Municipal de Braga on Saturday, November 14, 2026.
Who scored for Denmark against Portugal?
Rasmus Hojlund scored twice, while Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg converted a penalty and Joachim Andersen headed in the fourth. Bernardo Silva scored Portugal’s consolation goal in added time.
Why was the match significant for Portugal?
It was Portugal’s first match since Cristiano Ronaldo announced his international retirement. Players wore his No. 7 shirt in tribute before kick-off.
How many goals did Cristiano Ronaldo score for Portugal?
Ronaldo scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal, a world record for international football. He also won Euro 2016 with the country.
What happens next in the Nations League group?
In the final round on Tuesday, Wales host Portugal and Denmark host Norway. Denmark need a draw against Norway to reach the quarter-finals, while Portugal have already qualified.
Portugal will hope Saturday was a one-off, a bad night made worse by the occasion. But Denmark’s message was clear: the post-Ronaldo era will not be easy, and the rest of Europe will not wait for Portugal to find its feet.
