image via @ronaldo/ X

Portugal vs Denmark: Will Cristiano Ronaldo Play Tonight?

Cristiano Ronaldo failed to register a shot on target in the first leg against Denmark.

image via @ronaldo/ X

Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal were left devastated after a 1-0 defeat to Denmark in the first leg of the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals. The Danes delivered a strong performance on home turf, but Roberto Martinez and his side will be eager to bounce back in the second leg.

Denmark surprised a fair share of viewers by their performance in the first leg. Having attempted 23 shots to that of Portugal’s eight, they possessed a constant threat.

On the contrary, the Portuguese side struggled to get going and failed to create very few openings through the 90 minutes. Martinez also struggled with the whole frontline who could be rarely seen penetrating the Danish defence.

Captain Ronaldo and Rafael Leo had a slow day at the office after failing to register a single shot on target. It’ll be interesting to see how the Portuguese react on their home turf in the second leg.

🚨 Cristiano Ronaldo on Højlund celebration: “No problem. It’s a honor for me”.@BeanymanSports 🎥 pic.twitter.com/LAzL1Ei9Wd
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 23, 2025

Will Cristiano Ronaldo Play Tonight?

Cristiano Ronaldo is most likely to appear in the Portugal vs Denmark second leg in Lisbon. The 40-year-old has attended training sessions and is claimed fit to be starting.

Reacting to the defeat and the tactical needs of Portugal, Ronaldo expressed having team spirit of sitting out if asked for. Talking about doing what’s good for Portugal, the Al-Nassr man said:

“It’s not about me scoring… I only want Portugal to win. If we win and I don’t play, I’ll sign it down”.

“I only focus on defending my country’s badge until I die, as always. I’d be happy if we win tomorrow and another teammate scores!”

🚨 Cristiano Ronaldo: “It’s not about me scoring… I only want Portugal to win. If we win and I don't play, I'll sign it down”.

“I only focus on defending my country’s badge until I die, as always. I’d be happy if we win tomorrow and another teammate scores!”. pic.twitter.com/jE6hCKBGU9
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 22, 2025

After failing to guide Portugal to glory since the 2019 UEFA Nations League title, Ronaldo might want to leave an impact in the second leg. The five-time Ballon d’Or will look to add to his five-goal tally in the competition as they aim for a semi-final spot.

ALSO READ: The ‘Lows and Lows’ of the US Men’s Soccer Team

Portugal vs. Denmark Game Details

Time: Sunday, March 23 | 3:45 PM ET

Venue: Jose Alvadale Stadium, Lisbon.

Broadcast: FS1, FS2, FuboTV, and ViX Premium.

Portugal Team News

Bernardo Silva: Out
Joao Cancelo: Out
Otavio: Out

Denmark Team News

Nicklas Helenius
Tobias Storm

Portugal vs Denmark Betting Odds:

Odds via ~ BetMGM

Teams	Moneyline	Total Goals
Portugal	Win: -186 Draw: +290	Over 2.5: -112 Under 2.5: -117
Denmark	Win: +480 Draw: +290	Over 3.5: +245 Under 3.5: -345

Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal

Portugal vs Denmark

UEFA Nations League

Mayur Dedwal

soccer

I’m a Sports Content Writer with expertise in football. Being a decade old football enthusiast and part-time coach, I try to bring to life to the articles in a statistical manner. Being around all kinds of sports updates and able to put in my perspective’s to the happenings in the world of football are few of the many things i like in doing what i do. You can find me playing Sunday leagues or Xbox on weekends!