Portugal vs Denmark

Estádio José Alvalade sets the stage for the second leg of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League quarter-final tie against Denmark, with the home team bidding to overcome a 1-0 loss from the first leg. 

Portugal, winners of the inaugural UEFA Nations League finals in 2019, stand just one game away from their first return to the final tournament since that triumph. Roberto Martínez’s side has thrived under his leadership (W20, D2, L5), but his flawless touchline record against Denmark came to a gut-wrenching end in the first leg (W3, L1) as Portugal fell to a narrow aggregate deficit. Back in Lisbon for the return leg, Portugal will take confidence from their strong home form, having gone unbeaten in 11 of their 13 Nations League matches on home soil (W10, D1, L2). Despite chasing the deficit, the ‘Selecoa’ still boast a dominant H2H record against Denmark (W11, D2, L4).

Denmark may have been somewhat fortunate to reach the quarter-finals after failing to win any of their final four group stage matches (D2, L2), but they’ll take confidence from breaking that winless streak in the first leg. Under Danish boss Brian Riemer, who took charge in October 2024, the Danes secured their first victory of his tenure (W1, D1, L1), giving them a crucial edge heading into this decisive clash. Historically strong on their Nations League travels, Denmark went unbeaten in six of their first seven away matches (W5, D1, L1), including wins over France and England. However, they’ve failed to win any of their last four road games in this competition afterward (D2, L2). Overcoming that streak at the home of #6-ranked Portugal won’t be easy, especially given Denmark’s lone away win against a FIFA top-ten nation since 2021 came against France (W1, D1, L5).