Cristiano Ronaldo nets brace as Portugal thrash Luxembourg

• Cristiano Ronaldo bagged another brace as Portugal thrashed Luxembourg 6-0 in their 2024 Euro qualifier fixture
• The Al Nassr forward has now extended his record tally of international goals to 122 in 198 appearances

Cristiano Ronaldo led the way in his record-breaking form for Portugal as they thrashed Luxembourg 6-0 in their Euro 2024 qualifier fixture on Sunday night.

Ronaldo, who grabbed two goals as Portugal recorded victory over Liechtenstein on Thursday, scored twice again last night to help his side record two wins in four days. The Al Nassr forward has now extended his record tally of international goals to 122 in 198 appearances.

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrate with his teammates after scoring against Luxembourg on Sunday. Photo/ SNL24.

Cristiano Ronaldo has impressed new coach Roberto Martinez who restored him to Portugal’s starting lineup last week. Joao Felix, Bernado Silva, Otavio and Rafael Leao also scored in the big win at Stade de Luxembourg.

Portugal Puts On A Show In The First Half 

Luxembourg did not touch the ball in the opening three minutes of the game. However, they were the first to make an attempt on goal but Daniel Sinani’s shot was blocked.

Portugal were 3-0 up after 18 minutes with all three goals coming as a result of accurate balls into the box. Cristiano Ronaldo broke the deadlock nine minutes into the game after touching home Nuno Mendes’ soaring header. Bruno Fernandes had crossed the ball into the box for Mendes.

Portugal doubled their lead six minutes later, thanks to Joao Felix who is on loan at Chelsea. Felix was left wide open by the Luxembourg defenders to easily head Bernado Silva’s cross past Anthony Moris. Another defensive error by Luxembourg saw Bernado Silva head Joao Palhinha’s perfect ball past the goalkeeper.

Cristiano Ronaldo later made it 4-0 for the Selecao to demoralize Luxembourg. Felix intercepted a loose pass and gave the ball to Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who gave a perfect pass to Cristiano Ronaldo. The 38-year-old broke clear before slotting the ball past Moris.

Bernado Silva and Cristiano Ronaldo scored as Portugal thrashed humbled Luxembourg in their Euro 2024 qualifier math. Photo/ www.goal.com.

Portugal nearly found the back of the net again before the end of the first half but Cristiano Ronaldo’s shot was deflected wide. Felix’s effort went narrowly over the bar.

Portugal Slows Down

Luxembourg showed confidence in the opening five minutes of the second half. The three changes that Luc Holtz made for his side at the break seemed to have the desired effect Luxembourg needed in this match. Vincent Thill and Maxime Chanot came close to scoring but were all unlucky.

Portugal were unable to maintain the momentum they had in the first half. Cristiano Ronaldo was booked for diving before Roberto Martinez replaced him with Goncalo Ramos in the 64th minute. Substitute Ruben Neves took Bernado Silva’s place before Rafael Leao and Otavio replaced Joao Felix and Bruno Fernandes, respectively.

Leao was the undisputed star of the of show in the second half as he proved to be a thorn in the heart of Luxembourg’s defence. He assisted Otavio’s goal before winning a penalty. However, Anthony Moris saved Leao’s penalty. With two minutes remaining, the AC Milan forward made things 6-0. The Euro 2024 qualifier win for Portugal against Luxembourg puts them top of Group J with six points.