It’s safe to say that it’s been an eventful week for the Portuguese national team. A dramatic last-minute win against Ireland last week saw their talisman, Cristiano Ronaldo, become the all-time leading goalscorer in men’s international football.
The 36-year-old celebrated his second goal by taking his shirt off, which resulted in a yellow card. Subsequently, he was banned from their next World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan and released early from the camp.
In his absence, it was another Manchester United star who stepped up as he was one of the best players on the pitch when Portugal comfortably overcame Azerbaijan in Baku.
The 27-year-old was at the heart of everything for Fernando Santos’ side, highlighted below in their first-half opener. Fernandes’ pinpoint cross was met by Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, who could hardly miss after that delicious delivery.
Footage courtesy of Sky Sports
More must-reads: