Portugal edged Wales 1-0 in Lisbon to make a winning start to their UEFA Nations League campaign on what was a frustrating night for Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 41-year-old missed a slew of chances, with five of his seven efforts missing the target, and had a second-half effort ruled out by a VAR intervention.
Ronaldo was winning cap number 234 after deciding to prolong his international career following a disappointing World Cup, but his contribution ended when substituted after 67 minutes.
Ronaldo’s Al Nassr teammate João Félix settled the contest with the only goal in the 22nd minute.
The manner of Félix’s goal was cruel on Wales, deflecting off Ben Davies, but it could not be denied that Portugal deserved their victory by having 22 shots to five.
Ronaldo was back at the José Alvalde Stadium, where he began his career with Sporting CP, as 72-year-old Jorge Jesus became the oldest coach of Portugal’s national team.
On paper it looked a mismatch with Portugal ranked seventh in the world and 31 places higher than Wales, and their players drawn from major European clubs while Craig Bellamy’s squad had been ravaged by injuries and withdrawals.
Key pair Harry Wilson and Joe Rodon were missing and the absence of goalkeeper Karl Darlow saw Wrexham’s Danny Ward make only his second appearance of the season.
The first half was a tale of Félix’s strike and rising Ronaldo frustration.
Wales actually started in composed fashion, with Lewis Koumas occupying Portugal defenders and showing why he has impressed at Liverpool this season.
But Portugal gradually took control and Ronaldo fired wide from a tight angle before his poor touch allowed Neco Williams to recover.
Pedro Neto missed at the far post before Félix’s 20-yard shot nicked off Davies to take the ball beyond Ward.
Ronaldo sent another opening wide before an untidy strike from 12 yards allowed Ward to collect, leaving the Portugal captain kicking the air in disgust.
The script stayed the same after the break as Rúben Neves set up a Ronaldo tap-in from four yards.
The wait for Ronaldo’s 147th international goal seemed over, but his connection sent the ball sailing over to the bewilderment of home fans.
There was even more despair for Ronaldo when racing onto a Bruno Fernandes pass after 59 minutes.
Ronaldo slid the ball home and raced towards the corner flag for his trademark “Siuuu” celebration, but VAR disallowed the goal for offside.
Wales almost produced an equalizer from nowhere as Brennan Johnson broke through and, from the byline, looped his effort on to the bar.
Koumas attempted to prod home the rebound but Rúben Dias made a superb clearance to deny Wales.
Information from PA contributed to this report.
