Hojlund double helps Denmark crush Portugal in first game after Ronaldo

Portugal suffered a 4-1 home defeat by Denmark in the Nations League on Saturday night, their first match since Cristiano Ronaldo’s international retirement.

According to FOTMOB, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg gave the visitors the lead from the penalty spot two minutes before half-time after Ruben Dias handled a Rasmus Hojlund header.

Hojlund doubled the advantage four minutes after the restart with a volley from Mikkel Damsgaard’s scooped pass, then dribbled past Renato Veiga to score again before the hour.

Joachim Andersen headed in a superb fourth in the 75th minute from substitute Mathias Jensen’s cross.Bernardo Silva pulled one back in stoppage time, scoring on the rebound after Mads Hermansen saved from Joao Neves.

Jorge Jesus’ side managed just 1.26 expected goals from 15 shots, with striker Goncalo Ramos failing to register an attempt.

Hojlund led Denmark with five shots and won a match-high three aerial duels. Denmark need only a draw against Norway on Tuesday to reach the Nations League quarter-finals.