Joao Felix makes Portuguese history as Portugal beat Denmark without Cristiano Ronaldo

Joao Felix scored for a third consecutive Portugal match as his side beat Denmark 4-2 in the Nations League on Thursday, setting a new personal international record in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Al-Nassr forward completed the scoring in the 87th minute at Parken in Copenhagen, meeting a low cross from Diogo Dalot and sending a powerful finish into the net.

According to statistics account MisterChip, the goal marked the first time Felix had scored in three successive matches for Portugal. He had previously found the net against Wales and Norway before adding his third goal against Denmark.

The run has come in Portugal’s first three matches under Jorge Jesus, who previously coached Felix at Al-Nassr.

Felix’s goal also sealed a significant result for Portugal, who maintained their perfect start to the Nations League group stage with a third victory. Their earlier wins came against Wales and Norway, leaving them with nine points from three matches.

Ronaldo was not involved after leaving Portugal’s camp in Denmark on Wednesday evening. His departure followed comments from Jorge Jesus about a disagreement between the pair over Ronaldo’s absence from the team’s previous match against Norway.

The result produced a notable statistic for Portugal. Stats Foot reported that it was the first time in 18 years they had scored four goals away from home in a match without Ronaldo featuring.

The previous occasion came against Malta on 6 September 2008, when Portugal also scored four goals.

Portugal’s next fixture is against Norway on Sunday in the fourth round of Nations League matches. Victory would guarantee Jorge Jesus’ side direct qualification for the semi-finals, without them having to wait for the final two rounds of the group stage.