Joao Felix Strike Gives Portugal 1-0 Win Over Wales in Nations League Opener

The reigning champions started their Nations League defense with a narrow home victory in Lisbon despite a frustrating night for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Reigning Nations League champions Portugal began their campaign with a 1-0 win over Wales in Lisbon, with Joao Felix providing the only goal of the match. Portugal have won two of the four finals since the competition launched in 2018.

Felix struck in the 22nd minute with a low, scuffed effort from the edge of the penalty area. The shot took a slight deflection off Wales captain Ben Davies and found the far post, with goalkeeper Danny Ward unable to keep it out.

Portugal controlled possession and outshot Wales 19-4 but wasted numerous chances to extend their lead. Much of their attacking play ran through Cristiano Ronaldo, now 41 and the owner of a record 146 international goals since debuting in 2003.

Ronaldo had a difficult night in front of goal. He put one effort into the side netting, sent a close-range volley well over the bar, and after an hour slid the ball into the Wales net only to be flagged offside. He was substituted seven minutes later, still visibly unhappy with the decision.

Portugal's momentum faded once Ronaldo departed and the home crowd grew quieter. Wales nearly drew level from their one clear opportunity, as Brennan Johnson chipped goalkeeper Diogo Costa and struck the face of the crossbar.

With Costa stranded, Lewis Koumas and Dan James both chased the rebound, but Koumas' follow-up shot went straight at Ruben Dias, who was positioned on the line to preserve Portugal's clean sheet.