Portugal beat Denmark 4-2 without Cristiano Ronaldo to stay perfect in Nations League

Portugal set aside the noise surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo and showed in Copenhagen that their attacking power does not depend on one player. The Nations League champions beat Denmark 4-2 at Parken Stadium, securing a third win in three Group A4 matches and taking control of the group with nine points, six more than Denmark, Wales and Norway.

• Portugal won 4-2 in Denmark and have a perfect record in Group A4.
• Joao Cancelo opened the scoring with a chip after a one-two with Gonçalo Ramos.
• Bruno Fernandes captained the side and provided two assists in Cristiano Ronaldo's absence.
• Gonçalo Ramos and Joao Félix continued their scoring streaks in this Nations League.
• Denmark equalized twice but could not stop Portugal's late push.

Portugal take early control without Cristiano Ronaldo

With Bruno Fernandes as captain and Rúben Neves, Vitinha and Rafael Leao coming into the side after the win in Norway, Portugal controlled the game from the start. The breakthrough came in the 12th minute through a superb Joao Cancelo finish: he linked up with Gonçalo Ramos, who had earlier hit the post, and beat goalkeeper Mads Hermansen with a delicate chip.

Leao, wearing the number 7 usually reserved for Cristiano Ronaldo, came close to making it 2-0 with two quick efforts that were denied by Hermansen and Oliver Provstgaard. Portugal were clearly superior, but Denmark found a lifeline through a moment of individual brilliance.

Damsgaard hits back before Gonçalo Ramos restores the lead

Mikkel Damsgaard rescued Denmark from nowhere with a curling strike into the far corner in the 23rd minute to level the score. The match became an open and entertaining contest with constant shifts in momentum, though Portugal always looked more dangerous in attack.

Only two minutes after the equalizer, Gonçalo Ramos started a counter with an exquisite backheel in midfield, combined with Bruno Fernandes and beat Hermansen as the goalkeeper came out. The new Milan forward had already started in Oslo and scored again, confirming his excellent goalscoring form.

Hojlund equalizes before Vitinha and Joao Félix seal the win

The introduction of Gustav Isaksen at half-time gave Denmark fresh energy, and they leveled again with a well-worked move from their own area. Damsgaard played a perfect through ball to leave Rasmus Hojlund alone against Diogo Costa, and the forward delivered a fine chip in the 53rd minute before celebrating with Cristiano Ronaldo's trademark gesture.

Denmark enjoyed their best spell after the 2-2, but Portugal responded with experience. Hermansen saved an attempt from Rúben Neves but could not prevent Vitinha from scoring with a glancing header at the far post from Bruno Fernandes' cross, the captain's second assist of the night in the 67th minute.

With the match under control, Portugal wrapped up the victory on a counter-attack in the 87th minute. Joao Félix, who had just come on, finished after a pass from Diogo Dalot to continue an impressive run: the Al Nassr attacker, Cristiano Ronaldo's teammate in Saudi Arabia, has scored in all three Nations League matches this campaign.

How Group A4 stands after Denmark 2-4 Portugal

Portugal lead with nine points from nine and have put themselves in a commanding position in Group A4. Denmark remain on three points, level with Wales and Norway, leaving the race for second place wide open ahead of the next fixtures.