Joao Felix scored the only goal as League of Nations holders Portugal got off to a winning start against Wales.
The former Atletico Madrid player tapped in a low shot with the help of a deflection to put Portugal ahead in Jorge Jesus’ first game in charge since replacing Roberto Martínez.
Left-back Nuno Mendes did well to find space behind Ethan Ampadu and pulled the ball back for Felix, whose shot beat Wales captain Ben Davies and into the net.
Cristiano Ronaldo thought he had doubled the lead when he beat Danny Ward, but he was offside and the goal was ruled out by VAR.
And Wales came close to grabbing a point late on when Everton striker Brennan Johnson hit the crossbar.
Craig Bellamy will be pleased with his side’s promising second-half display ahead of a trip to Denmark on Sunday.
As always, all eyes had been on Ronaldo, 41, ahead of the kick-off following his decision to extend his career with the Seleção. However, the veteran endured a frustrating afternoon in front of goal.
After Rúben Neves and Rúben Dias failed to convert earlier chances, Ronaldo squandered a golden opportunity moments after the restart, volleying wide from just six yards. He thought he had doubled the lead just before the hour mark when he slotted past Ward, only for a VAR review to rule out the goal for offside.
That nonsense kept Craig Bellamy’s side alive, and Wales almost punished the hosts with 15 minutes left. Johnson saw an ambitious, bouncing effort bounce off the crossbar before Liverpool youngster Lewis Koumas was sure to turn the rebound home. Manchester City defender Dias came to Portugal’s rescue, pouncing on his way with a vital goal-line block.
The hosts held off a late flurry of Welsh pressure to secure maximum points and give new manager Jesus a winning start while extending Wales’ winless run to five games in 2026.
