# Félix fires Portugal past Wales in Nations League opener

> João Félix's deflected goal gives Portugal victory in their Nations League defence, but Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Lisbon disappoints.
- Title: Félix fires Portugal past Wales in Nations League opener
- Summary: João Félix's deflected goal gives Portugal victory in their Nations League defence, but Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Lisbon disappoints. Portugal won 1-0…
- Keywords: portugal, wales, nations league, joão félix, cristiano ronaldo, josé alvalade stadium, jorge jesus, craig bellamy, match report, sports, Félix, fires
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/sep/24/portugal-wales-nations-league-match-report
- Published: 2026-09-24T20:55:15+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: portugal, wales, nations league, joão félix, cristiano ronaldo, josé alvalade stadium, jorge jesus, craig bellamy, match report, sports
## Félix's deflection sinks Wales
João Félix's first-half strike from the edge of the box, which took a deflection, beat Danny Ward to give Portugal a 1-0 victory in their Nations League defence.
## Ronaldo returns to Lisbon
The 41-year-old captain started at José Alvalade Stadium, where he made his name as a teenager, playing his first match in Lisbon since October.
## Ronaldo squanders four chances
The captain finished with just 27 touches, the fewest of any Portugal outfield starter, and missed four decent opportunities including a sitter from six yards in the second half.
## Disallowed goal adds to frustration
Ronaldo had a goal ruled out for offside after latching onto a Bruno Fernandes pass, his grandiose celebration going to waste on a night of missed opportunities.
## Jesus substitutes Ronaldo early
Manager Jorge Jesus removed the captain after 67 minutes, saying he had planned the substitution and wanted a fresh player on the pitch despite Ronaldo's desire to continue.

> I took him out 25 minutes before the end, because I thought it was important to have a fresh player on the pitch.
## Wales mount brave defensive effort
Wales, missing key players through injury, showed resilience against a Portugal squad worth 1.4 billion pounds and nearly equalised late when Brennan Johnson hit the crossbar.
## Bellamy praises Wales character
Wales manager Craig Bellamy said his team showed big heart against elite opposition, claiming there is more to come from his squad despite the narrow defeat.

> I'm beyond proud. We showed a big heart.
## Portugal dominate but lack precision
Portugal recorded 23 shots but only five on target, with Jesus noting his goalkeeper barely had to touch the ball as Wales offered little attacking threat.
## Ronaldo eyes thousand-goal milestone
The captain has Sunday's visit to Norway as his next opportunity to edge closer to his 1,000 goals target after a frustrating night in front of goal.
## Key takeaway

Portugal won 1-0 against Wales through Félix's first-half strike, but Ronaldo squandered multiple chances in his first game back in Lisbon since October.