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Portugal vs Wales: Ronaldo Misses as João Félix Wins 1-0

Enigma Football | UEFA Nations League | 25 September 2026

Portugal vs Wales ended with a narrow 1-0 victory for Portugal as João Félix scored the only goal in Lisbon. Cristiano Ronaldo endured a frustrating return to international football, finishing with seven shots but failing to score.

The result gave Portugal three points in their opening UEFA Nations League League A Group 4 match. It also gave new manager Jorge Jesus a winning start in his first competitive game in charge.

Ronaldo had several opportunities but could not find the net. His second-half goal was also ruled out for offside, while Wales came close to an equaliser after the break.

Portugal vs Wales Match Details

Detail	Information
Competition	UEFA Nations League 2026/27
Date	24 September 2026
Venue	Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon
Final score	Portugal 1-0 Wales
Goalscorer	João Félix, 22nd minute
Portugal manager	Jorge Jesus
Wales manager	Craig Bellamy
Ronaldo’s shots	7
Ronaldo substituted	67th minute

Portugal controlled much of the match and created enough chances to win by a bigger margin. However, their finishing allowed Wales to remain in the contest until the final whistle.

João Félix Gives Portugal the Lead

Portugal started confidently and moved the ball patiently through midfield. Their attacking players looked to exploit spaces around the Wales defence.

The pressure paid off in the 22nd minute.

João Félix received the ball near the edge of the penalty area before producing a low shot towards goal. The effort took a deflection off Wales captain Ben Davies and found the back of the net.

The goal gave Portugal an early advantage and rewarded their attacking approach.

Félix, who also plays alongside Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, provided the decisive contribution. His movement between midfield and attack caused problems for Wales, while his willingness to shoot from outside the penalty area helped create the breakthrough.

For Jorge Jesus, it was an encouraging beginning to his first competitive match as Portugal manager.

Cristiano Ronaldo Misses Seven Chances

Ronaldo was one of the main attractions before Portugal vs Wales and the Portugal captain was determined to make an immediate impact.

Making his 234th international appearance, Ronaldo found himself in several dangerous positions.

Portugal repeatedly looked for him inside the penalty area. Bruno Fernandes and the wide players supplied passes into attacking areas, giving the veteran forward opportunities to score.

However, his finishing was not at its usual level.

During the first half, Ronaldo failed to make clean contact with an inviting Fernandes pass. He also struck the side netting and sent another effort wide from a difficult angle.

His clearest opportunity came shortly after half-time.

Rúben Neves delivered a cross into the penalty area, finding Ronaldo close to goal. With the chance to double Portugal’s lead, Ronaldo failed to connect properly and sent the ball over the crossbar.

Ronaldo eventually finished the match with seven shots but no goals.

Why Was Ronaldo’s Goal Disallowed?

Ronaldo appeared to have finally scored shortly after the hour mark.

Bruno Fernandes played a pass into the penalty area, and Ronaldo finished beyond Danny Ward. However, the celebrations did not last.

A VAR review confirmed that Ronaldo had moved into an offside position before receiving the ball. The goal was therefore disallowed.

The decision added to a frustrating night for the Portugal captain.

Seven minutes later, Jorge Jesus replaced Ronaldo with Gonçalo Ramos in the 67th minute.

Why Did Jorge Jesus Substitute Ronaldo?

Ronaldo’s substitution attracted attention because he had remained central to Portugal’s attacking play.

After the match, Jesus explained that the decision was about introducing fresh energy rather than simply reacting to Ronaldo’s missed chances.

At 41, Ronaldo’s workload will require careful management during international windows involving several matches.

Portugal also have other attacking options, including Ramos, who can provide a different approach in the final third.

The substitution offered an early indication that Jesus is prepared to make changes when he believes they are necessary, including changes involving his captain.

Wales Nearly Equalise in Lisbon

Although Portugal created more chances, Wales remained competitive throughout the match.

Craig Bellamy’s side entered the fixture without several important players and spent long periods defending against the Nations League champions.

However, Wales stayed organised and kept themselves within one goal.

Their best opportunity came in the second half.

Brennan Johnson broke forward and lifted the ball over Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa. His effort struck the crossbar, leaving Wales extremely close to an equaliser.

Lewis Koumas reached the rebound, but Rúben Dias was positioned on the goal line to prevent Wales from scoring.

The moment highlighted the danger of Portugal’s failure to convert their chances.

Wales continued to search for an equaliser but could not find a way through before the final whistle.

Portugal’s Finishing Leaves Jorge Jesus With Work to Do

Portugal’s victory gave Jesus three points in his first competitive match, but the performance also highlighted areas that need improvement.

The hosts created numerous opportunities and frequently found space around the Welsh penalty area.

Bruno Fernandes played an important role in creating chances, while João Félix provided movement and creativity in advanced positions.

The biggest issue was finishing.

Ronaldo missed several opportunities, but Portugal’s wider attacking unit also struggled to turn possession and chances into goals.

Against stronger opposition, similar wastefulness could become costly.

Jesus must now decide whether to maintain the same attacking approach or make adjustments before Portugal’s next Nations League fixture.

Can Ronaldo Still Lead Portugal’s Attack?

Ronaldo’s performance against Wales will naturally lead to discussion about his role in the national team.

The veteran forward remains Portugal’s record goalscorer, with 146 international goals, and continues to provide considerable experience.

His movement inside the penalty area remains effective. Against Wales, he repeatedly found positions where he could have scored.

The match, however, showed the difference between creating opportunities and converting them.

Portugal also have younger attacking players who can contribute goals, including Félix and Ramos.

Jesus will therefore need to find a balance that allows Ronaldo to use his strengths while ensuring Portugal can create goals through multiple attacking options.

The manager’s previous experience working with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr could also be valuable as he manages the captain’s role.

Ronaldo’s Pursuit of 1,000 Career Goals Continues

Ronaldo entered the match with a reported 979 official career goals, leaving him 21 goals short of the 1,000-goal milestone.

Despite several opportunities against Wales, he could not add to his total.

The Portuguese forward has made no secret of his ambition to reach four figures before retiring.

His scoring record has been built across spells with Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Al-Nassr, as well as more than two decades with Portugal.

At the same time, Ronaldo has emphasised his desire to help Portugal win another Nations League title.

His personal milestone and Portugal’s team ambitions will remain major talking points throughout the competition.

Portugal Begin Nations League Title Defence With Three Points

Portugal entered the 2026/27 Nations League campaign as defending champions after defeating Spain on penalties in the 2025 final.

They also won the inaugural Nations League title in 2019.

Their latest campaign began with victory over Wales, although the narrow scoreline showed that further improvement will be needed.

Portugal’s group also includes Norway and Denmark.

Norway began their campaign with a 3-2 victory over Denmark, with Erling Haaland scoring twice.

Portugal’s next match against Norway will therefore provide an early test of their attacking efficiency and defensive organisation.

Haaland vs Ronaldo: Portugal’s Next Nations League Challenge

Portugal are scheduled to face Norway on Sunday, 27 September.

The match will bring together two of football’s most recognisable goalscorers: Cristiano Ronaldo and Erling Haaland.

Haaland enters the fixture after scoring twice against Denmark, while Ronaldo will be looking to respond after his frustrating performance against Wales.

For Jesus, the match provides another opportunity to assess his squad against difficult opposition.

Portugal cannot afford to waste as many chances if Norway create the same problems they showed in their opening match.

What Can Wales Take From Their Defeat?

Wales returned to League A knowing that their group would provide a significant challenge.

Despite losing in Lisbon, Bellamy’s side showed defensive discipline and remained competitive against Portugal.

Ben Davies helped organise the defence, while Danny Ward was required to remain alert throughout the match.

Johnson’s second-half opportunity also demonstrated Wales’ ability to threaten on the counterattack.

Their challenge in the next fixtures will be to create more chances while maintaining the defensive organisation they showed in Lisbon.

Bellamy will also hope to have some injured players available as the Nations League campaign progresses.

Portugal vs Wales: Frequently Asked Questions

Who won Portugal vs Wales?

Portugal defeated Wales 1-0 in their UEFA Nations League match on 24 September 2026.

Who scored Portugal’s winning goal?

João Félix scored the only goal in the 22nd minute with a deflected shot from outside the penalty area.

Did Cristiano Ronaldo score against Wales?

No. Ronaldo finished with seven shots but did not score. His second-half goal was also disallowed for offside.

Why was Ronaldo’s goal disallowed?

A VAR review confirmed that Ronaldo was offside before receiving Bruno Fernandes’ pass.

When was Ronaldo substituted?

Ronaldo was replaced by Gonçalo Ramos in the 67th minute.

Who is Portugal’s new manager?

Jorge Jesus is Portugal’s new manager. The victory against Wales was his first competitive match in charge.

When is Portugal’s next match?

Portugal are scheduled to face Norway on Sunday, 27 September 2026.

Final Thoughts :

Portugal secured three important points against Wales, but their opening Nations League victory was far from comfortable.

João Félix scored the decisive goal, while Ronaldo endured a frustrating evening after missing several opportunities.

Wales defended with determination and came close to equalising, highlighting the importance of Portugal becoming more clinical in front of goal.

Jorge Jesus will welcome the winning start to his Portugal tenure, but the match also provided areas for improvement before the Norway fixture.

For Ronaldo, the opportunity to respond will arrive quickly. His pursuit of more international goals and the 1,000-goal milestone continues as Portugal begin their Nations League title defence.