Portugal 9-0 Luxembourg: Diogo Jota scores twice, Bruno Fernandes stars in absence of Cristiano Ronaldo

A Bruno Fernandes-inspired Portugal turned on the style to complete a record 9-0 rout of hapless Luxembourg as the Euro 2016 winners moved to the brink of Euro 2024 qualification.

With Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo suspended, Manchester United captain Fernandes continued his outstanding form at Estadio Algarve after rifling home the winner in the 1-0 success in Slovakia on Friday evening.

He twice provided crosses for Goncalo Inacio to find the net with powerful headers and was also involved as Paris Saint-Germain forward Goncalo Ramos helped himself to a first-half double with expert finishes as Robert Martinez’s side moved 4-0 clear at the interval.

In truth, the scoreline flattered the visiting side with Diogo Jota hitting the bar in the first half before the Liverpool forward raced onto another brilliant Bruno ball to convert the fifth on 57 minutes.

Jota then played provider for substitute Ricardo Horta to thump a blistering finish into the net on 66 minutes before he weighed in with a second of his own on 77 minutes.

Fernandes got in on the act with number eight from a Horta pass on 83 minutes before Joao Felix rifled home the ninth with a splendid finish on 88 minutes to complete the filleting, Portugal’s heaviest victory of all time.

Portugal move onto 18 points from their first six qualifiers in Group J, five points clear of Slovakia. They have yet to lose a goal in qualifying having totted up a whopping 24 without reply.

It is only a matter of time before they book their trip to Germany next summer.

No Ronaldo, no problem for Portugal: Fair enough, it was only Luxembourg you might argue – the No. 89-ranked side in the world who resemble cannon fodder on such evenings – but you also have to consider the visitors had reached 10 points from five matches to occupy third spot in Group J with impressive wins over Bosnia & Herzegovina and Iceland before reaching this night of angst on the Algarve.

They continue to harbour hopes of finishing second in the section, but it was a brutal night as Portugal illuminated the huge gulf in class as they performed at optimum levels without their suspended captain.

Robert Martinez’s side must be among the real contenders for the Euro 2024 trophy such is the level of quality within their vibrant squad.

Better with Ronaldo in the side without question, but not short of options without him. It is a nice luxury to have.

What can you say about the Manchester United playmaker in this sort of form? Completely irresistible, unplayable and unselfish.

Kept Portugal ticking over throughout this match in playing provider with his exquisite range of passing, just as he had done in Slovakia on Friday night. And it was fitting he found another goal of his own after his blistering winner in Bratislava.

United fans will be hoping he can carry on such inspirational play when the Premier League returns with the visit of a buoyant Brighton to Old Trafford on Saturday.

Portugal: Diogo Costa 6, Goncalo Inacio 7, Ruben Dias 8, Diogo Dalot 7, Nelson Semedo 8, Danilo Pereira 7, Bernardo Silva 8, Bruno Fernandes 9, Goncalo Ramos 8, Rafael Leao 8, Diogo Jota 8

Subs: Joao Cancelo 7, Rúben Neves 7, Joao Felix 8, Ricardo Horta 8

Luxembourg: Anthony Moris 6, Maxime Chanot 4, Enes Mahmutovic 4, Laurent Jans 4, Mica Pinto 4, Florian Bohnert 4, Leandro Barreiro 5, Timothe Rupil 4, Danel Sinani 4, Yvandro Borges Sanches 4, Alessio Curci 4

Subs: Seid Korac 4, Vincent Thill 4, Sebastien Thill 5, Lars Gerson 4, Dirk Carlson 4

12′ GOAL FOR PORTUGAL! Can’t say it wasn’t coming. Bruno Fernandes with another brilliant cross and Gonçalo Inácio rises to power home the header. No chance for the keeper. A 1-0 lead for the home side.

18′ A SECOND GOAL FOR THE HOME SIDE! High press pays off this time as Bruno Fernandes wins the ball before Ramos comes up with the finish from the Bernardo Silva pass. Superb goal. And a 2-0 lead.

33′ AND IN GOES THE THIRD! Gonçalo Ramos finds time to turn from the Rafael Leão cross. Brilliant run and cross. Finish was of the highest quality. 3-0 to Portugal.

45+3′ AND MAKE THAT A FOURTH! Gonçalo Inácio once again with the header from the Bruno Fernandes delivery. That is delightful. Inácio with his first two goals in international football. A 4-0 lead at the break.

57′ GOAL FOR PORTUGAL! Bruno Fernandes executes a terrific pass and Diogo Jota races through to slam home the fifth for Portugal. Fernandes running the show tonight.

67′ MAKE THAT SIX FOR PORTUGAL! Substitute Ricardo Horta accepts the pass from Jota to thump a blistering effort into the rigging. VAR check for offside confirms Jota is good to go and Portugal lead 6-0.

77′ SEVENTH HEAVEN FOR PORTUGAL! Luxembourg in complete disarray as loose ball breaks to Jota in the box and he needs no invitation to slam home the seventh. Ah well, at least the visiting fans can enjoy the Algarve.

83′ GOAL FOR PORTUGAL! Number eight as Fernandes passes home from the Horta pass through the middle with the white shirts nowhere to be seen. A grim, grim night for Luxembourg as the coach Luc Holtz disappears up the tunnel in disgust.

88′ THERE IS THE NINTH! Going to be a record win for Portugal as they move 9-0 ahead. João Félix with the finish from outside the box. A splendid finish after being set up by Rúben Neves.