Cristiano Ronaldo Frustrated as Portugal Edge Wales in Nations League Opener

Cristiano Ronaldo endured a difficult night in Lisbon as Portugal began their UEFA Nations League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Wales.

The 41-year-old captain missed a major opportunity, had a second-half goal ruled out for offside following a VAR review and was substituted before the final stages. João Félix ultimately proved to be Portugal’s match-winner with a deflected strike. 

João Félix Gives Portugal the Lead

Portugal controlled much of the match at the Estádio José Alvalade and eventually broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute.

João Félix received the ball outside the penalty area before sending a low effort towards the far corner. The shot took a deflection off Wales captain Ben Davies, wrong-footing goalkeeper Danny Ward and finding the net. 

The goal gave Portugal an advantage they would maintain for the remainder of the contest, although Wales continued to compete despite spending long periods without possession.

Ronaldo Misses Golden Opportunity

Much of the attention naturally focused on Ronaldo, who was making his 234th appearance for Portugal.

The veteran forward had several opportunities to score but could not convert them. One of his biggest chances arrived early in the second half when a cross from Ruben Neves presented him with a close-range opportunity.

Ronaldo was unable to finish from just a few yards out, leaving him visibly frustrated. He eventually found the net later in the half, but his celebrations were short-lived. 

VAR Denies Ronaldo’s Goal

Ronaldo appeared to have doubled Portugal’s lead in the 59th minute after running onto a pass from Bruno Fernandes and calmly sliding the ball beyond Ward.

He immediately headed towards the corner to celebrate, but VAR intervened.

After the review, the goal was ruled out because Ronaldo had moved into an offside position before receiving the pass. The decision denied him his 147th international goal. 

The Portugal captain was replaced by Gonçalo Ramos seven minutes later, receiving a standing ovation from the home supporters as he left the pitch. 

Wales Nearly Find Late Equaliser

Despite Portugal’s dominance, Wales came close to producing a surprise equaliser.

Brennan Johnson managed to lift an effort over goalkeeper Diogo Costa, but the ball struck the crossbar. Lewis Koumas then followed up, only for Ruben Dias to make an important clearance and preserve Portugal’s lead. 

Portugal ultimately held on to secure three points in Jorge Jesus’ first match in charge.

The hosts finished the game with a significant advantage in attacking statistics, while Wales managed only a handful of attempts. 

Portugal Turn Attention to Norway

The victory gives Portugal an important start to their Nations League campaign, while Wales will look to respond in their next fixture.

Portugal’s next major test comes against Norway, who also began their campaign with a victory after Erling Haaland scored twice against Denmark. That meeting will put Ronaldo and Haaland in the spotlight once again.