Joao Felix scored the only goal as Nations League holders Portugal began their campaign with a 1-0 win over Wales in Jorge Jesus’ first match as head coach.
Felix struck in the 21st minute after Nuno Mendes created the opening, finding space behind Ethan Ampadu before pulling the ball back for the forward. Felix’s low shot took a deflection off Wales captain Ben Davies and spun into the net.
Portugal dominated the early stages and could have built a bigger lead, but Cristiano Ronaldo endured a frustrating night in front of goal.
Ronaldo went close in the ninth minute after receiving a pass from Felix, but his effort flashed wide. Rúben Neves and Rúben Dias also failed to convert earlier opportunities before Ronaldo missed a golden chance moments after half-time, sending a volley wide from six yards.
The Portugal captain then thought he had doubled the lead before the hour mark when he poked the ball past Danny Ward. VAR intervened, however, and ruled the goal out for offside.
Wales grew into the match after the break and threatened to take advantage of Portugal’s missed chances. Brennan Johnson came closest 15 minutes from time when his looping effort struck the crossbar.
Lewis Koumas appeared set to convert the rebound, but Dias threw himself in front of the ball to make a crucial goal-line block and preserve Portugal’s lead.
Wales continued to apply pressure in the closing stages, but Portugal held on to give Jesus a winning start and claim three points.
The result extended Wales’ winless run to five matches in 2026. Craig Bellamy can take encouragement from his side’s second-half display before their trip to Denmark on Sunday.
For Portugal, the victory was narrow but enough to put them top of their Nations League group for now, pending the remaining fixtures in the round.
