Portugal suffer record home defeat as Denmark spoil Ronaldo farewell

Portugal suffered their heaviest-ever home defeat in a competitive match as Denmark won 4-1 in Braga on Saturday, turning a night intended to celebrate Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career into a difficult start to the team’s post-Ronaldo era.

The result came in the fifth round of matches in Group A1 of the Nations League at Braga Municipal Stadium. Portugal had already secured their place in the quarter-finals before kick-off and remain top of the group on 12 points, while Denmark moved on to nine points and kept their qualification hopes alive.

Denmark took the lead in the 43rd minute when Pierre-Emile Højbjerg converted a penalty after a handball by Ruben Dias. Rasmus Højlund doubled the visitors’ advantage five minutes after half-time before adding his second and Denmark’s third seven minutes later.

Portugal’s problems continued when Joachim Andersen scored in the 75th minute. The goal left the hosts four behind in a competitive home fixture for the first time in their history.

Bernardo Silva scored in the third minute of stoppage time to reduce the deficit, but Portugal were still left with one of the heaviest defeats in their history.

It was the first time Portugal had conceded four goals in a match since their 4-2 defeat by Germany at the European Championship on 19 June 2021. They had last allowed four goals at home on 3 September 2010, when they drew 4-4 with Cyprus in Guimaraes.

The defeat was also Portugal’s biggest in any home competitive match, while their largest loss in any fixture since then remains a 3-0 friendly defeat by the Netherlands on 26 June 2018.

The match marked Portugal’s first since Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football. Before kick-off, the home players wore number seven shirts in tribute to their former captain, while supporters displayed messages celebrating his career.

Ronaldo ended his international career with 234 appearances and 146 goals, making him Portugal’s record scorer. He also led the country to victory at Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles, in 2019 and 2025.

Portugal will complete the group stage against Wales, while Denmark face Norway. Those fixtures will decide which team joins Portugal in progressing from the group.

Despite retaining first place and their quarter-final place, Portugal’s defeat highlighted significant defensive weaknesses. Denmark took full advantage of their opportunities, leaving the hosts with a damaging result at the beginning of the team’s first phase without Ronaldo.