Félix scores as Portugal beat Wales 1-0 in Nations League

Portugal began its UEFA Nations League title defence with a 1-0 win over Wales in Lisbon on Thursday, September 24, as João Félix scored the only goal in the 22nd minute. The victory also gave head coach Jorge Jesus a winning result in his first competitive match in charge of Portugal. Félix’s low shot from outside the penalty area took a deflection off Wales captain Ben Davies and slipped beyond goalkeeper Danny Ward. Portugal held the lead for the rest of the match, earning three points in Group A4. Norway also opened the group stage with a win, leaving both teams level on points after the opening round. Cristiano Ronaldo started for Portugal but did not score. A second-half effort that he put into the net was ruled out for offside after a VAR review. The decision denied Portugal a second goal, while Wales stayed within one goal and pressed for an equaliser late in the match. Wales came closest when Brennan Johnson’s effort struck the crossbar. Lewis Koumas followed up, but Portugal defender Rúben Dias blocked his attempt on the goal line. The sequence preserved Portugal’s lead as the hosts saw out the closing stages.