Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after Rasmus Højlund’s “SIUU” celebration during Portugal vs Denmark

Manchester United’s Rasmus Højlund secured victory for Denmark with a late winner against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in the first leg of their Nations League quarter-final.

Rasmus Højlund had just endured a frustrating 21-game goal drought for Manchester United and was also struggling at the international level, having gone 13 matches without scoring.

However, just days after finally breaking his dry spell for Ruben Amorim’s side, he repeated the feat for his country, handing Denmark a crucial advantage over Portugal.

Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes featured in Portugal’s starting lineup, while Christian Eriksen started for Denmark.

Højlund and Patrick Dorgu began on the bench, but the 22-year-old striker was introduced late in the match—and made an instant impact. Right place, right time, and the decisive goal followed.

Though Højlund has been trying to establish his own celebration this season, he opted for something different on this occasion—pulling out the iconic “siuu” in front of none other than Cristiano Ronaldo himself.

Ronaldo reacts after Højlund celebration

In that game, Fernandes played the entire 90 minutes while Dalot started and was substituted midway through the second half. Ronaldo also played 90 minutes.

Portugal will be looking to bounce back when the two sides meet again on Sunday evening, with Ronaldo desperate to win the Nations League for the second time.

Reflecting on Instagram after the first-leg defeat, Ronaldo’s message was clear. “We have 90 minutes to turn around. Roll on Portugal!” he wrote.

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A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano)

The United legend is currently the top goalscorer in the Nations League A campaign with five goals.

Højlund explains Ronaldo celebration

Højlund celebrated like Ronaldo after his decisive goal but it was a display of respect rather than arrogance.

“I have always dreamed of doing Ronaldo’s cheering scene – especially towards him,” the young Dane told the media.

“Not that it was meant to be arrogant. On the contrary, it was meant as respect. I am a bit of a fanboy.”

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Højlund had not scored for Denmark in 13 games but managed to break his goalless run just days after doing the same for United.

Ruben Amorim will be hoping that the 22-year-old can bring some positive form into the back-end of the season.

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