João Félix's deflected first-half strike gave Portugal a narrow Nations League victory over Wales, while Cristiano Ronaldo missed several chances and had a goal disallowed in Lisbon.
Ronaldo's frustrating night
All eyes were on Ronaldo, back playing in Lisbon for the first time since last October, at the José Alvalade Stadium where he made his name as a teenager. The 41-year-old started, as Jorge Jesus promised he would, and despite Ronaldo talking of a new era, different tactics and even a different language, alluding to Jesus's predecessor Roberto Martínez, this all felt rather run of the mill.
Ronaldo spurned four decent chances in the first half alone, the best of which was from about 12 yards and left him scuffing his boots in frustration. Then, after a predictably excitable buildup, there was a free-kick flighted into Wales's yellow wall. He should have done better when Fernandes presented him with his first opening amid huge cheers from the locals, but his touch was rusty and the ball bobbled off his left foot, and he later volleyed wide from an awkward angle.
Portugal's narrow win
In the end, Portugal began their defence of the Nations League with a narrow victory courtesy of another Al-Nassr forward, João Félix's deflected first-half strike from the edge of the box beating Danny Ward in goal.
Rúben Neves, another player in Saudi, replacing João Neves in Portugal's three-man midfield was the only change from their World Cup last-16 exit by Spain in Dallas.
Ronaldo finished with 27 touches, the fewest of any of Portugal's outfield starters, and looked to the heavens after fluffing the best of the hosts' chances to extend their lead four minutes into the second half. Neves put in a delicious cross from the right flank but Ronaldo, unmarked and alone with his thoughts in the six-yard box, shanked the ball over off his left shin. Sunday's visit to Norway is his next opportunity to edge towards his 1,000 goals target.
Wales's valiant effort
Many of the Wales squad have been lightly raced of late, but they could have snatched a late equaliser when Brennan Johnson hit the crossbar and Rúben Dias desperately denied Lewis Koumas, who again impressed Craig Bellamy. For Wales, this was an exhaustive physical effort and afterwards the head coach, citing his own experiences as a player, referenced how mentally sapping games against elite opposition can prove. "I needed an ice pack on my head," Bellamy said.
Bellamy accepted Wales would suffer against a starting XI boasting five Champions League winners and three Ballon d'Or nominees, but began confidently. Bellamy does not have the same quality at his disposal, with Harry Wilson, Wales's best performer in recent years, and Karl Darlow, these days the undisputed No 1, among those absent through injury. A harmless Ben Cabango header was Wales's sole effort at goal in the first half and they did not trouble Diogo Costa. "He practically didn't have to touch the ball," Jesus said of his goalkeeper.
Portugal racked up 23 shots but recorded only five on target and Wales will take plenty of confidence from this slender defeat. "I'm fully aware of who we were playing and what their value is," Bellamy said, claiming the value of Portugal's squad totals £1.4bn. "But the positive I'm coming away with is: I think there's more [to come from us]. I'm beyond proud. We showed a big heart."
