Portugal’s race for another UEFA Nations league title kicked off at Lisbon as they hosted Wales to a game that many presume lacked the pack and firepower that Portugal can unleash.

As usual, Portugal’s starting lineup was fully packed and ready for action and they surely delivered although the scoreline read something different.

The hosts started the game authoritatively keeping majority of possession and using the pace and versatility of Nuno Mendes who surge forward always gave Portugal an extra advantage.

The game wasn’t one of those with goals raining but it was worth the watch. It was a glorious game yet again for Mendes who dazzled his way through the Welsh midfield before putting Felix through for the opener.

Mendes was caught in the centre of the pitch but stood his grounds to notice Felix in an unmarked position, he laid a beautiful pass which was converted by Felix in the 22′.

The tempo of the game started to change after Portugal took the lead. They looked hungry for more goals as Cristiano Ronaldo wanted one for his signature. Their efforts to find a second seemed very difficult as they had to go into the half with the lone goal lead.

The second half began with same pace, Portugal looked more determined to increase their tally and it almost fell to Ronaldo. A string of passes from Vitinha and Bruno found Ronaldo lingering behind the Welsh defence. He managed to place the ball pass Danny Ward for the second but his celebrations was cut short in the 59′ as the goal was ruled offside after VAR check.

It could have been two for Ronaldo and three for Portugal but he missed a glorious opportunity from close range after a cross from Rüben Neves found him in space.

Wales had their share of the spill after Kieffer Moore, Sorba Thomas and Chris Mepham came on but Portugal made sure their backline was solid to keep out any such treat.