An emotional night for Portugal saw them secure a decisive 5-0 victory over Armenia in a World Cup qualifier, a match played just months after the tragic death of their teammate, Diogo Jota.
The game, held at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium, began with a minute of silence in tribute to Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, who were killed in a car crash in July.
At 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo was the star of the night, scoring twice. His first goal came in the 21st minute, a poignant moment as 21 was the number Jota wore for Portugal.
Ronaldo’s second goal was a stunning long-range strike, bringing his international goal tally to 140.
Joao Felix also scored a brace, finding the net in the 10th and 61st minutes, while Joao Cancelo added a goal in the 32nd minute.
Portugal’s left-back Nuno Tavares reflected on the team’s victory, stating, “We’re all very happy because it shows he’s [Jota] with us, that he was there, and that moment, Ronaldo’s goal, was made possible. He’ll always be with us, as was clear today.”
