Portugal Edge Wales In Lisbon: Ronaldo Misfires, Felix Decides It

• Joao Felix’s deflected strike seals a 1-0 win for Portugal in Lisbon
• Cristiano Ronaldo wastes chances, has a goal ruled out by VAR, and is subbed on 67
• Wales hang in late but Portugal’s 22 shots to five tell the story

Portugal got their UEFA Nations League campaign up and running with a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Wales in Lisbon, a night where Cristiano Ronaldo huffed and puffed but couldn’t find the finish. The difference came on 22 minutes as Joao Felix’s effort glanced in via Ben Davies, a cruel touch for the Wales skipper after a disciplined start from the visitors.

For those tracking form, markets and momentum, our guide to best football betting sites is worth a look. And on this evidence, Portugal underlined why they’ll be among the favourites in this group: 22 attempts to Wales’ five and control of the game’s tempo for long spells.

Ronaldo Misfires, Felix Delivers

Ronaldo had the chances. A sitter from six yards went begging, a crisp finish was wiped out for offside after a swift VAR check, and his evening ended on 67 minutes when he made way. No shortage of endeavour, but the clinical edge deserted him. Felix, meanwhile, was bright between the lines, finding pockets and forcing the decisive moment, even if fortune favoured him via the deflection off Davies.

Portugal’s left side purred all night. Nuno Mendes looked a level above—electric going forward and tidy in recovery—while Diogo Dalot offered late thrust on the opposite flank. The hosts will feel they should’ve put it to bed earlier, but the shape, intensity and chance creation were all there.

Wales Show Resilience And Regret

Credit to Wales. Rob Page’s men never folded, kept their distances tight and had their spell late on. Kieffer Moore and Sorba Thomas added presence from the bench; an Ethan Ampadu header drifted wide, and a promising move saw Moore’s cross just evade an unmarked Dan James at the back post. Those are the margins at this level.

Plenty to build on for Wales—discipline, work-rate, and spells of front-foot intent—yet Portugal’s class and volume of chances merited the win. On a night when Ronaldo’s radar was off, Felix supplied the spark and Portugal banked three points to start their Nations League tilt the right way.

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