Portugal earned a 4-2 win over Denmark in Copenhagen to remain top of their Nations League group despite Cristiano Ronaldo walking out on the team.
Portugal secured a 4-2 victory in Copenhagen in their Denmark vs Portugal match, maintaining a perfect record in the UEFA Nations League despite the sudden departure of Cristiano Ronaldo from the squad.
The win pushed Portugal to nine points at the top of Group A4 from three matches. Portugal opened the tournament with a 1-0 home victory over Wales and followed with a 2-1 win over Norway in Oslo before traveling to Copenhagen. Joao Felix has scored in all three group games, while Goncalo Ramos started in Ronaldo’s place and scored in the last two fixtures.
Ahead of the Portugal vs Denmark clash, Ronaldo left the squad late Wednesday after coach Jorge Jesus confirmed the 41-year-old would not start for a second straight Nations League match. Ronaldo, who has 146 goals for Portugal, captained the side against Wales but didn’t play during the win in Norway. He was scheduled to train with the team at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen before making his exit.
Spanish sports daily Marca reported that Jesus and Portuguese federation president Pedro Proenca followed Ronaldo to Copenhagen airport to persuade him to remain, but Ronaldo left on his private jet. Ronaldo wrote in an Instagram post, “In due course, I will tell the truth to all the Portuguese people about my reasons for leaving the national team, to which I have always been dedicated.” Jesus, who took charge in July, said earlier Wednesday that there was no rift between them, though he noted Ronaldo was disappointed by being benched in Norway.
Denmark previously opened the group with a 3-2 loss to Norway. Portugal next plays Norway on Sunday at Estadio do Dragao in Porto, where the team continues its bid for a third Nations League title.
