Portugal came from a difficult night in Copenhagen to beat Denmark 4-2 in the UEFA Nations League to claim another important three points without Cristiano Ronaldo.
The match at Parken Stadium was full of goals and chances, with the home side twice coming from behind before the visitors finally pulled away in the second half.
Portugal started the game strongly and took the lead after 13 minutes. Goncalo Ramos provided the assist for Joao Cancelo, who finished to make it 1-0 as the game carried on.
Denmark quickly responded and levelled the game in the 23rd minute. Joakim Mæhle supplied the assist for Mikkel Damsgaard, who found the net to make it 1-1 between both teams.
The home team regained the lead only two minutes later. Bruno Fernandes played the final pass for Goncalo Ramos, who produced a low left-footed finish inside the box to put his side 2-1 ahead in the 25th minute.
The host continued to threaten and had chances to get back into the game. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa had to stay alert, while Rafael Leao also tested Mads Hermansen before the break.
The home side had two first-half missed chances according to the match statistics, while the visitors also failed to convert one of its opportunities before the 45 minutes ended.
Denmark came out with more attacking intent after the break and got their reward in the 53rd minute. Mikkel Damsgaard turned provider again, sending Rasmus Hojlund through during a quick counterattack.
Hojlund finished with his left foot to make it 2-2. The equaliser gave the host fresh belief, but their responded once again without wasting too much time.
In the 67th minute, Bruno Fernandes delivered the ball into the box and Vitinha rose to score with a header. The goal restored Portugal’s lead at 3-2 as the match pushed on.
Denmark tried to find another equaliser but the visitors created more chances as the game moved into its final stages. The Portuguese national team made changes to keep their energy levels high.
The home side also brought on fresh players in an attempt to change the game. The visitors finally made the result safe in the 87th minute with another brilliant goal.
Diogo Dalot created the opportunity and provided the assist for Joao Felix, who fired a right-footed shot into the top-left corner from inside the box. The goal made it 4-2 and ended the host hopes of another comeback.
There were also several missed chances during the match which carried on until it came to a conclusion with Portugal claiming a 4-2 victory against Denmark after 90 minutes.
The host recorded five missed chances compared with three for their visitors, while the official match statistics showed the away side having 19 total shots and 11 shots on target.
Denmark had 12 shots, with three on target. Portugal also had seven corners to the host three. The match also produced two yellow cards which was shared between both teams.
Daramy Mohammed was booked in the 79th minute for the host, while midfielder Rúben Neves received a yellow card in the 82nd minute for the visitors.
Portugal finished the game with all three and maintained their perfect start to the Nations League campaign which is looking good.
The result was especially important for the visitors because Cristiano Ronaldo was unavailable for the match. Despite his absence, they found enough attacking quality to score four goals and leave Copenhagen with another important victory.
The 4-2 showdown was ultimately a highly entertaining Nations League match. The host showed character by coming back twice, but the visitors attacking quality and ability to respond at important moments made the difference.
Portugal now move forward with three wins from three matches in their Nations League campaign, while Denmark will be hoping to bounce back in their remaining games for the group.
