Christian Eriksen of Denmark celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammates during the UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg Two match between Portugal and Denmark at Estadio Jose Alvalade on March 23, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal.Christian Eriksen of Denmark celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammates during the UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg Two match between Portugal and Denmark at Estadio Jose Alvalade on March 23, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal.
Christian Eriksen of Denmark celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammates during the UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg Two match between Portugal and Denmark at Estadio Jose Alvalade on March 23, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. | Getty Images
Five Manchester United stars were in action for Portugal’s 5-2 win over Denmark on Sunday
Manchester United stars Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot got one over on their Red Devils teammates as Portugal advanced to the semi-finals of the Nations League with a 5-2 win over Denmark on Sunday night.
Denmark had taken a 1-0 lead into the second leg of the quarter final after Rasmus Hojlund netted the winner in Copenhagen, and celebrated in style as he imitated Cristiano Ronald’s famous celebration in front of the ex-Real Madrid and United star.
Portugal exacted their revenge on Sunday night, however, as a Joachim Andersen own goal put them 1-0 up before former Leeds United defender Rasmus Kristensen levelled early in the second half. Ronaldo, who had missed a first-half penalty, scored on 72 minutes but Christian Eriksen hit back almost straightaway for Denmark to level the game and put them ahead in the tie.
However, Francisco Trincao got Portugal back level in the tie and then scored one minute into extra time to put the hosts in front. Goncalo Ramos sealed the win in the 115th minutes.
How Danish media reacted to United performances
Eriksen, Hojlund and Patrick Dorgu all started for Denmark on Sunday night. Tipsbladet gave Eriksen a 4/6 match rating while Hojlund received a 3/6 and Dorgu a 2/6. Dorgu recieved the harshest review, as the Danish publication wrote: “A poor start by Patrick Dorgu, who had barely sung the last line of the national anthem before he conceded a penalty. Dorgu's defensive skills – or lack thereof – are a theme, and they will certainly not be any less so after tonight's game in Lisbon. It wasn't good. Then moved further up the pitch in the second half and immediately made an assist. Just to underline the story about him.”
Meanwhile, Dorgu earned a 4/6 rating from B.T. while Hojlund and Eriksen both scored 3/6. Despite getting a goal and an assist, the outlet reasoned for Eriksen’s 3/6 rating: “We've seen it before – that Christian Eriksen disappears a bit from the difficult away games. Especially in the beginning of the game, it was missed that Denmark's international record holder and best technician grabbed the ball and got some faith into the pressured Danish team. He played his way into the match in the second half, and finally we got that goal.”
Ekstra Bladet handed Hojlund a 4/10 for his display while Dorgu was rated 5/10 and Eriksen handed a 7/10. Of Hojlund, they said: “Back in the starting eleven for Denmark after his match-winning goal in Parken. Højlund was responsible for Denmark's first shot on goal. He did fall out of the game from time to time, and a couple of times the first touches were there, but he kept the Portuguese defense busy with their work. But then, goals are what strikers are judged on.”