Wales began their Nations League campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Portugal in Lisbon as Craig Bellamy's side showed plenty of courage against one of Europe's most star-studded teams.
Joao Felix's deflected first-half strike proved enough for the hosts, but Wales were left wondering how they had not found a way back into the contest after creating a huge opportunity in the second half.
The match represented Bellamy's first since his future was thrown into doubt during the summer amid interest from Burnley, with the Wales boss ultimately reaffirming his commitment to the national side.
Depleted squad and encouraging start
He was also forced to contend with a depleted squad, with Harry Wilson, Joe Rodon, Nathan Broadhead, Dylan Lawlor and starting goalkeeper Karl Darlow among those unavailable.
Wales made an encouraging start in Lisbon, pressing Portugal high up the pitch and unsettling the hosts in the opening stages. Lewis Koumas fired over after meeting a fierce Jordan James cross, while Ben Cabango saw a header saved from an Ethan Ampadu long throw.
Portugal gradually found their rhythm, though, and Ronaldo was denied by a superb Neco Williams intervention after breaking into space.
Felix strike separates the sides
The pressure eventually told in the 22nd minute. Felix's effort from around 20 yards took a significant deflection off Ben Davies and wrong-footed Danny Ward, finding the bottom corner.
Portugal threatened again as the half progressed, with Ronaldo firing wide from a difficult angle and another volley missing the target, while Ward was able to gather a less convincing effort from the Portugal captain.
Wales survived those scares to reach half-time only one goal behind.
Second-half chances and late pressure
Portugal continued to pose problems after the restart, with Ronaldo having the ball in the net only for the flag to be raised for offside. The veteran forward then volleyed a massive opportunity over the bar from close range.
But Wales grew into the game and produced a remarkable chance to equalise in the 74th minute.
Jordan James slipped Brennan Johnson through, and the forward lifted a clever effort over Diogo Costa. The ball struck the crossbar and fell invitingly into the six-yard area, but Lewis Koumas and Dan James were unable to capitalise as they got in each other's way, with Joao Cancelo eventually clearing off the line.
That was as close as Wales came to an equaliser, although they continued to compete right until the final whistle.
Bellamy introduced Sorba Thomas and Kieffer Moore in the closing stages, while Chris Mepham also came on as Wales sought to protect their shape and chase a leveller.
Vitinha tested Ward from distance, while Goncalo Ramos was denied from a tight angle, but Wales held firm.
The defeat means Bellamy's side begin life back in Nations League A without a point, but there was plenty for the Wales boss to take from a spirited display against a Portugal side packed with established international stars.
