Portugal secured their place in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals with a thrilling 5-2 victory over Denmark, overturning a first-leg deficit in style.

Heading into the match, Portugal needed to respond after their disappointing first-leg performance. Captain Cristiano Ronaldo, speaking in the pre-match press conference, acknowledged the team’s shortcomings and admitted not playing well. He promised a stronger showing in the return leg, vowing to leave the pitch with his head held high—and he delivered.

The match was filled with drama from start to finish. Portugal was awarded an early penalty after Ronaldo was brought down in the box by Patrick Dorgu. However, Kasper Schmeichel denied the 40 year old.

Portugal continued to dominate possession and eventually broke the deadlock seven minutes before halftime when Joachim Andersen headed Bruno Fernandes’ corner into his own net. Ronaldo thought he had put Portugal ahead on aggregate in first-half stoppage time, but his goal was ruled out for offside.

Denmark went ahead on aggregate in the 56th minute through Rasmus Kristensen, but Portugal responded once again. In the 72nd minute, Ronaldo finally got his goal, reacting quickest to a rebound from Fernandes’ shot and squeezing the ball past Schmeichel from a tight angle.

Four minutes later, Christian Eriksen struck back for Denmark, finishing off a low cross from Dorgu to put his side back in control of the tie. However, Portugal refused to give in. With just four minutes left in regulation time, Francisco Trincão produced a moment of magic, unleashing a thunderous strike from outside the box to level the aggregate score.

Trincão completed his brace in extra time, giving Portugal firm control of the tie, before Gonçalo Ramos sealed the victory in the 115th minute. With the win, Portugal advanced to the semi-finals, where they will face Germany.

Additionally, the result impacted the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, with Portugal placed in Group F alongside Armenia, Hungary, and the Republic of Ireland. Meanwhile, Denmark will compete in Group C, facing Belarus, Greece, and Scotland.