Portugal achieved a dramatic 5-3 aggregate victory over Denmark on Sunday, advancing to the Nations League semi-finals.
In a thrilling second leg that finished 5-2 in extra time, Portugal overcame a 1-0 deficit from the first leg. This victory sets up a match against the final’s hosts, Germany, in June.
Cristiano Ronaldo missed an early penalty but later redeemed himself by scoring a crucial goal. Francisco Trincao added a late double to secure the win for Roberto Martinez’s team. Denmark’s Kasper Schmeichel initially stole the spotlight by saving Ronaldo’s penalty in the sixth minute; however, Portugal’s relentless attack ultimately triumphed.
The match saw dramatic twists and turns, with Denmark twice edging ahead on aggregate. Portugal levelled the tie in the 38th minute when Joachim Andersen’s panicked clearance resulted in an own goal. However, Rasmus Kristensen’s header put Denmark back in front on 56 minutes.
QUE NOITE, PORTUGAL! 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/EA8M6eHi8o
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) March 23, 2025Ronaldo made amends for his penalty miss by scoring a rebound in the 72nd minute, only for Christian Eriksen to silence the home crowd with a tap-in four minutes later. Substitute Trincao, playing in his home stadium at Sporting Lisbon, sent the game to extra time with a stunning left-footed strike.
In extra time, Trincao scored again, threading a shot through a crowded box to put Portugal ahead. He then played a key role in Goncalo Ramos’s decisive goal, capping off a full-blooded encounter.
Despite their elimination, Denmark departed with their heads held high after a stoic performance. The 2019 Nations League champions, Portugal, now aim to become the first team to win the tournament twice.
