'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Portugal returned to winning ways in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers as they beat Luxembourg 3-1 at the Stade Josy Barthel on Matchday three.
Cristiano Ronaldo was finally off the mark in the qualifying campaign, with Diogo Jota and Joao Palhinha also scoring to nullify Gerson Rodrigues' shock opener for the hosts.
Portugal struggling once again and seemed to be headed for another long night after falling behind. But they successfully clawed their way back into the game to take all three points.
To rub salt on Luxembourg's wounds, Maxime Chanot was sent off in the 86th minute for a second bookable offence, reducing the hots to a numerical disadvantage for the final few minutes.
Portugal are now top of Group A in their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. On that note, let's take a look at five talking points from the match:
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo ends a mini goal-drought for Portugal
At long last, Cristiano Ronaldo got the goal he was desperately waiting for the past few days.
After Joao Cancelo floated a lovely cross into the area, the Juventus ace stole in behind the Luxembourg defence and slammed home a confident finish.
It was nothing spectacular, though, and his performance wasn't top drawer on the night, either.
Nevertheless, the Portugal captain managed to find the back of the net, and that's what mattered to him, his team and his fans alike.
Ronaldo hasn't looked at his rip-roaring best for some time now. He saw a legitimate goal disallowed against Serbia. But he returned to scoring ways for Portugal for the first time in five games.
#2 Luxembourg show great potential
After beating Ireland in their first qualifying game against all the odds, Luxembourg were potentially on their way towards another one against Portugal.
The opening goal from Gerson Rodrigues summed up the side's encouraging performance in the first half.
Die Roten Lowen's high press appeared to throw their mighty visitors under the bus, while goalkeeper Anthony Moris handled their business well at the other end.
Even though Portugal's superior quality eventually made the difference, Luc Holtz's side can be proud of their efforts once again.
If they're able to continue in this vein in the upcoming games, Luxembourg could have a real chance of qualifying for the World Cup.
#3 Diogo Jota is shaping up well for Liverpool's home stretch
It's no secret that Liverpool's prolific attacking triumvirate has misfired badly this season. But the current form of Portugal's Diogo Jota should inspire some hope for the Reds ahead of the home stretch of their campaign.
The striker, who scored a brace against Serbia last weekend, was on target for the reigning European champions once again.
While his overall performance left a lot to be desired, Jota showed how deadly he could be if given proper service. After recently returning from a lengthy injury spell at the start of the month, the former Wolves hitman now has four goals in six games for club and country.
At this rate, the 24-year old could become a key player for Liverpool in the remainder of their campaign.
#4 Is Gerson Rodrigues the man to lead Luxembourg in the qualifiers?
We're barely three games into the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in the UEFA zone, but there have already been shocking results aplenty.
Luxembourg's stunning victory against Ireland takes the cake, while Gerson Rodrigues is scripting his own history too. He netted the winner in Dublin at the weekend and put his team in front against the reigning European champions on the night.
Not bad for a player who's yet to play in any of Europe's top five leagues in his career!
But can he guide the Red Lions into the second round? At least, he's got the talent to trouble the big sides.
Quick, versatile, strong in the air and technically gifted, Rodriguez, born in Portugal, has been the star of his side so far. He can cause plenty of trouble for the other teams in this qualifying group going forward.
#5 Portugal's Joao Cancelo is the real deal
While the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Diogo Jota will garner all the plaudits, Manchester City fans can be proud of their man Joao Cancelo too.
The Portugal full-back was on fire once again in Luxembourg as he turned in a complete performance. Defensively, he was an indomitable force, never allowing the home side to create anything from his flank as he completed four tackles.
Even going forward, Cancelo provided constant width and playmaking flair from the wings and also laid two key passes.
Indeed, it was his cross that found Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal's second of the night, just one of many he produced over the course of the game.
After struggling to find his feet at the Etihad in his first season, Joao Cancelo has peaked this campaign and has continued that form on the international stage too.
