Rasmus Højlund appears to push Jorge Jesus after Denmark defeat by Portugal

Rasmus Højlund appeared to give Portugal manager Jorge Jesus a light push to the chest after Denmark’s 4-2 defeat by Portugal in the Nations League on Thursday.

The Napoli striker was seen on camera making the gesture as players and staff exchanged greetings following the final whistle at Parken in Copenhagen.

The incident came after Højlund celebrated Denmark’s equaliser in a manner associated with Cristiano Ronaldo. He levelled the score at 2-2 in the 53rd minute before jumping and performing the Portuguese forward’s trademark “Siu” celebration.

Portugal had taken the lead through Joao Cancelo in the 12th minute, but Denmark responded when Mikkel Damsgaard scored in the 23rd minute.

The visitors regained the advantage two minutes later as Goncalo Ramos finished from a Bruno Fernandes pass. Højlund then brought Denmark level shortly after half-time, setting up a tense contest.

Vitinha restored Portugal’s lead with a header in the 67th minute, before Joao Felix completed the scoring in the 87th minute.

The result gave Jorge Jesus a third consecutive victory in the group and kept Portugal’s perfect record intact, with nine points from three matches.

The match had added significance because Ronaldo was absent from the Portugal squad. He left the team’s training camp one day before the game, following tensions linked to Jorge Jesus’ decision not to play him against Norway in the previous match.

Ronaldo was also told that he would not start against Denmark.

Højlund’s celebration, his post-match exchange with Jorge Jesus and Ronaldo’s absence formed the backdrop to an unusually charged evening in Copenhagen, although Portugal ultimately secured a comfortable victory.