Portugal Toppled Chile 2-1 in a Tumultuous Match

In the preparation match before the 2026 World Cup, Portugal beat Chile 2-1 at the Estádio Nacional do Jamor in Lisbon. In the home team under Roberto Martinez, the goals came in the 58th minute from Gonçalo Guedes and in the 75th minute from Bruno Fernandes; Chile's only goal was recorded by Lucas Cepeda in the 90+2 minute. As a result of the brawl that took place at the end of the first half, Portuguese star Rafael Leao and Chilean defender Iván Román saw red cards and went to the dressing room early; in the second half, both teams played with 10 men.

Cristiano Ronaldo, after wearing the jersey in the first half, was withdrawn with a substitution at half-time; Gonçalo Guedes, who came on in his place, scored his 8th goal in the national team in the 58th minute and opened the score. Bruno Fernandes, in the 75th minute with Francisco Conceição's pass, doubled the lead — this was Manchester United captain's 29th goal for Portugal and moved him to 5th place in the club's all-time scorers list, equal with Nuno Gomes. Chile was upset until the last moment of the match for not scoring; however, with Felipe Méndez's pass, Lucas Cepeda reduced the deficit to 2-1. In match statistics, Portugal stood out in possession with 61.7% and had 8 shots on target in goal (Chile 4).

Portugal will face DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia in Group K at the 2026 World Cup. Roberto Martinez's team will open the tournament against DR Congo on June 17 in Houston; before that, they will play their last preparation match against Nigeria in Leiria on June 10. Ronaldo will tie the record for participating in his 6th World Cup. Chile, on the other hand, having failed to qualify for the World Cup, continues its transition process under interim head coach Nicolás Córdova.

Image: nefes.com.tr