Portugal overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit with a thrilling 5-2 extra-time win over Denmark on March 23, 2025, to reach the Nations League semifinals. The turnaround hinged on tactical adjustments and decisive contributions from Cristiano Ronaldo and Francisco Trincão.

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Match: Portugal vs Denmark ·
Date: 23 March 2025 ·
Result: Portugal 5-2 Denmark (a.e.t.) ·
Aggregate: 5-3

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Portugal advance to Nations League semi-finals (BBC Sport match report)
  • Ronaldo’s international future remains unconfirmed (Sky Sports team page)
Fact Value
First leg result Denmark 1-0 Portugal (BBC Sport match report)
Second leg result Portugal 5-2 Denmark (ESPN match report)
Aggregate Portugal 5-3 Denmark (BBC Sport match report)
Portugal goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo (6′, 72′) (Soccerway match data)
Denmark goalscorer (first leg) Rasmus Højlund (BBC Sport match report)
Date of second leg 23 March 2025

Who won, Portugal or Denmark today?

Portugal defeated Denmark 5-2 after extra time in the second leg of the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal on 23 March 2025, according to ESPN match report. The win gave Portugal a 5-3 aggregate victory and a place in the semi-finals. The first leg in Copenhagen had ended 1-0 to Denmark, with Rasmus Højlund scoring the only goal (BBC Sport match report).

What was the final score?

Portugal 5-2 Denmark. Francisco Trincão scored twice in extra time, and Cristiano Ronaldo added a brace in regular time (ESPN match report).

What was the aggregate score?

Portugal 5-3 Denmark. The first leg ended 1-0 to Denmark, meaning Portugal needed to win by two goals in normal time. They did so in extra time (BBC Sport match report).

Bottom line: Portugal turned a 1-0 deficit into a 5-3 aggregate win, with Ronaldo and Trincão delivering the decisive goals. For fans, the takeaway is clear: Portugal’s depth in extra time proved decisive.

Why did Portugal lose to Denmark?

In the first leg on 20 March 2025, Denmark won 1-0 in Copenhagen. Rasmus Højlund scored the only goal, and Portugal struggled to create clear chances (BBC Sport match report).

What happened in the first leg?

Denmark’s 4-2-3-1 formation, with Højlund leading the line, neutralized Portugal’s possession. The home side pressed high and limited space for Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva (FotMob match data).

How did Denmark win?

Christian Eriksen orchestrated the midfield, and Højlund’s movement in behind caught Portugal’s backline off guard. The Danish defense, marshaled by Joachim Andersen and Jannik Vestergaard, kept a clean sheet (Sky Sports team page).

Why this matters

Portugal’s first-leg loss exposed a vulnerability to quick transitions, a flaw they corrected in the return leg by pressing higher and using extra-time substitutes.

The pattern was clear: Denmark’s compact block suffocated Portugal’s creators in the first leg, forcing Roberto Martínez to adjust his approach for the return fixture.

Has Portugal ever won against Denmark?

Yes, Portugal has a strong historical record against Denmark. The 5-2 win in March 2025 is one of the largest margins of victory between the two sides. Overall, Portugal have won 9 of their 18 meetings, with Denmark winning 5 and 4 draws (ESPN match report).

What is the overall record?

Portugal leads the head-to-head with 9 wins, 5 losses, and 4 draws. The 5-2 win adds to a history that includes a 3-1 Portugal win in Euro 2012 and a 4-1 Denmark win in a 2018 friendly (Sky Sports team page).

How many times have Portugal beaten Denmark?

9 times, including the most recent 5-2 win. The aggregate score of 5-3 also reflects Portugal’s ability to overturn deficits.

Is Ronaldo playing for Portugal in the 2026 World Cup?

As of March 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo remains active for Portugal, having played in the Nations League quarterfinal. However, no official announcement has been made about his participation in the 2026 World Cup (BBC Sport match report).

Is Ronaldo retiring?

Ronaldo has not announced retirement. He continues to play for Al Nassr and for Portugal. Speculation about his international future persists, but he remains a key part of the squad (Sky Sports team page).

Will Ronaldo be in the 2026 World Cup squad?

Uncertain. If he maintains form and fitness, he could be selected. But with Portugal’s emerging talents like João Félix and Francisco Trincão, his role may shift (OneFootball team news article).

The trade-off

Ronaldo’s legacy is secure, but his presence in the 2026 squad will depend on his willingness to accept a reduced role, something that has been a point of tension in past tournaments.

The implication for Portugal’s planning: integrating younger talent while managing Ronaldo’s expectations will define their World Cup preparation.

What were the starting lineups for Portugal vs Denmark?

Portugal lined up in a 4-3-3, while Denmark opted for a 4-2-3-1. Here are the confirmed starting XIs from multiple sources.

Two lineups, one clear difference: Portugal’s attacking width (Leão and Conceição) against Denmark’s compact midfield block.

Position Portugal (4-3-3) Denmark (4-2-3-1)
GK Diogo Costa Kasper Schmeichel
RB Diogo Dalot Rasmus Kristensen
CB Rúben Dias Joachim Andersen
CB Gonçalo Inácio Jannik Vestergaard
LB Nuno Mendes Patrick Dorgu
CM Vitinha Christian Nørgaard
CM Bruno Fernandes Morten Hjulmand
CM Bernardo Silva Christian Eriksen
RW Francisco Conceição Gustav Isaksen
ST Cristiano Ronaldo Rasmus Højlund
LW Rafael Leão Jesper Lindstrøm

Lineup sources: ESPN match report, Sky Sports team page, FotMob match data

Bottom line: Portugal’s 4-3-3 gave them width and pace, while Denmark’s 4-2-3-1 aimed to control the midfield. The difference was Portugal’s extra-time substitutions — Trincão and João Félix — who exploited Denmark’s tired legs.

Timeline

  • 20 March 2025 – First leg: Denmark 1-0 Portugal (BBC Sport match report)
  • 23 March 2025 – Second leg: Portugal 5-2 Denmark (a.e.t.) (ESPN match report)

Clarity: What we know vs what’s uncertain

Confirmed facts

  • Portugal won 5-2 on 23 March 2025 (ESPN match report)
  • Denmark won 1-0 on 20 March 2025 (BBC Sport match report)
  • Ronaldo played in the second leg (Sky Sports team page)
  • Højlund scored in first leg (BBC Sport match report)

What’s unclear

  • Ronaldo’s participation in 2026 World Cup
  • Whether Ronaldo will retire soon
  • Exact lineup for Denmark in second leg (some rotation)

Quotes from the match

Portugal 5-2 Denmark (agg: 5-3): Cristiano Ronaldo scores as hosts reach semi-finals.

— BBC Sport match report

Francisco Trincão scored twice in extra time to send Portugal into the Nations League semi-finals after a thrilling 5-2 win over Denmark.

— ESPN match report

Portugal’s comeback from a 1-0 first-leg deficit had a clear pattern: fresh legs and tactical flexibility in extra time. For manager Roberto Martínez, the lesson is that squad depth — not just star power — will be the deciding factor in the semi-finals. For Denmark, the narrow aggregate loss shows they are close to the top tier, but need more finishing options beyond Højlund. The takeaway for fans: this tie was a reminder that in knockout football, the second leg is where reputations are made and broken. Portugal’s ability to adapt under pressure signals their readiness for the semifinal stage.

Additional sources

ie.soccerway.com, besoccer.com, reddit.com, bold.dk, sportingnews.com, besoccer.com, foxsports.com

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Frequently asked questions

How many goals did Ronaldo score in the match?

Two goals — in the 6th and 72nd minutes (Soccerway match data).

What was the attendance for the second leg?

Not reported in available sources. The match was played at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon.

Who was the referee for the match?

Not specified in the research notes. Check official UEFA match records.

What is the next match for Portugal?

Portugal advance to the Nations League semi-finals, to be played in June 2025 (BBC Sport match report).

How did Portugal qualify for the Nations League semifinals?

By winning the quarterfinal 5-3 on aggregate after defeating Denmark 5-2 in extra time (ESPN match report).

What was the formation for Portugal in the second leg?

4-3-3, with Diogo Costa in goal, a back four of Dalot, Dias, Inácio, Mendes, a midfield trio of Vitinha, Fernandes, Silva, and a front three of Conceição, Ronaldo, Leão (Sky Sports team page).

Is Ronaldo retiring from international football?

No official announcement. He continues to play for Portugal and Al Nassr (BBC Sport match report).

Why did Denmark fail to qualify for the World Cup 2026?

This question is unrelated to the match. As of March 2025, the World Cup qualification campaign has not started for Denmark.

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