Portugal kick-started the defence of their Nations League title with a hard-fought victory over Wales on Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Lisbon.

Joao Felix's deflected strike proved decisive midway through the first half at Estadio Jose Alvalade - where Ronaldo, 41, started his professional career with Sporting 24 years ago.

Ronaldo missed a glorious chance in addition to having a goal disallowed for offside early on in the second half before being withdrawn as the hosts continued to threaten to add to their lead.

Wales' best chance fell to Liverpool forward Lewis Koumas, although Ruben Dias produced a crucial last-ditch block to ensure his side began the Jorge Jesus era with victory in the Portuguese capital.

The build-up was centred on Ronaldo's decision to extend his international career along with his return to the 'City of Light'.

But it was his Al-Nassr team-mate Felix who beat Danny Ward from around 20 yards out with the help of a slight deflection off Ben Davies on 22 minutes.

A close-range effort from Koumas - who was flagged offside - early on was as encouraging as it got for Craig Bellamy's troops as Ronaldo, Ruben Neves and Dias spurned opportunities for the hosts.

With the goal at his mercy, Ronaldo failed to hit the target with a volley from six yards out shortly after the restart.

The frontman thought he had his moment in the limelight just before the hour mark as he poked beyond Ward, although the goal was disallowed for offside following a check from the video assistant referee.

Portugal's lack of ruthlessness kept Wales in the game, and Bellamy's side - who ended the game strongly - got their chance to claim an unexpected point 15 minutes from time.

Brennan Johnson's looping shot from a tight angle hit the crossbar, and Koumas' follow-up effort was brilliantly blocked by Manchester City's Dias as Wales finally registered an effort on target.

Having survived that scare, Portugal withstood a decent spell of Welsh pressure to win their first game under Jesus and leave Wales without a win in five matches in 2026.

In his pre-match interview, Bellamy said his team would "suffer" at times in the Portuguese capital.

His prediction was emphatically correct as Wales - following their promotion from League B in the head coach's first campaign in 2024 - found the jump up a step too far.

Despite Wales' encouraging start and positive moments in possession, the home side constantly threatened and looked comfortable in keeping the visitors at bay.

The intent against such a stellar opponent was admirable, although - unfortunately from a Wales perspective - the gulf in class between the sides was evident for long periods.

That was until Wales started to take more risks and played with increased confidence. Bellamy's substitutions helped to galvanise the team too.

In the blink of an eye, Portugal looked concerned, and the mood among the home fans started to shift.

Kieffer Moore's overcooked cross to Dan James, Johnson's delicate effort on to the top of the crossbar, Koumas' close-range shot, Wales had their moments.

It was not to be, although given the concern around the squad amid injuries to key players including Harry Wilson, Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon, Dylan Lawlor and Nathan Broadhead ahead of the match, the Red Wall will be far more pleased than they were before the game given the immense efforts of their players in Lisbon.