Ronaldo Shines as Portugal Honor Jota with 5-0 Win
Portugal’s return to World Cup qualifying action was filled with emotion and power as they swept Armenia aside with a dominant 5-0 victory. The night in Yerevan was not just about the goals, but about remembrance. Before the first whistle, a minute’s silence was observed in tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, who tragically lost their lives in a car crash earlier this summer. For the Portuguese squad, it was clear this match meant more than points—it was about playing in Jota’s memory.
The game itself began with Portugal asserting complete control. Just ten minutes in, João Félix opened the scoring, settling any nerves and setting the tone for what would follow. Not long after, the moment that seemed written by fate arrived. In the 21st minute, Cristiano Ronaldo struck to make it 2-0. The significance was not lost—Ronaldo’s goal came wearing the number seven, but it arrived in the very minute that Jota’s number 21 shirt had once represented. For his teammates, it felt symbolic. “He’ll always be with us, and tonight showed it,” said defender Nuno Tavares afterward.
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Portugal didn’t let up. João Cancelo extended the lead before halftime with a tidy finish, ensuring Armenia were completely overwhelmed. Then, just seconds into the second half, Ronaldo produced another highlight—his 140th international goal, a long-range strike that reminded everyone why, even at 40 years old, he remains a force in world football. The celebrations were loud, but tinged with that undercurrent of dedication to their fallen teammate.
As the hour mark passed, João Félix struck again to make it five. By then, the contest had long been settled, and Armenia’s 14,000 home fans could only watch as Portugal’s class pulled further away. Possession numbers told the story—over 70% of the ball belonged to Roberto MartÃnez’s side, who created 24 shots compared to Armenia’s seven.
For Portugal, the match was not only a flying start to their World Cup qualifying campaign but also a symbolic night of unity. Ronaldo’s brace, Félix’s double, and Cancelo’s contribution ensured the scoreline looked as commanding as the performance felt. Yet, behind the statistics, the deeper story was written in the tribute—Portugal played with Jota in their hearts, and his presence was felt in every moment of their five-goal triumph.
It was a reminder that football can carry more than competition. On a night where victory was claimed on the pitch, it was also a night where memory, grief, and tribute shaped the spirit of the game. Portugal now sit top of their group, but their thoughts, as their captain Ronaldo showed with every gesture, remain with a teammate gone too soon.
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