Video: Albania stun Portugal 1-0 in Euro 2016 qualifer

Portugal went down to an impressive Albania 1-0, in their opening game at home in Aveiro.

On the paper, Portugal were poised to streamroll their way way to victory over a team placed 70th in the word, but the visitors managed to pull off a shocker when they condemned the hosts to a 1-0 defeat, who were without their talismanic captain Cristiano Ronaldo.

Coach Paulo Bento dropped the Real Madrid forward over his knee injury concerns and the impact was gross, as his side struggled to find their attacking boots in the reigning Ballon d'Or winners' absence.

Portugal although started well when Nani threatened with a shot at the right side of the post, they missed a host of chances in the first half and failed to attain the lead. They were subsequently punished for the same when Albania went ahead in the 52nd minute through Bekim Bajaj, who prodded home a superb volley from Roshi's cross.

The hosts' retaliated shortly after when Coentrao's effort proved just narrowly wide and substitute Horta's 20-yard strike rebounded from the crossbar, which Pepe struck well above the post.

All their attempts were only stonewalled as they failed to find an equaliser and the match ended in a sheer disappointment for Portugal, who will now be rooting for the return of Ronaldo for next month's friendly against France, whereas the visitors return home with the euphoria of procuring an impressive victory.