Poland 1-3 Portugal: Five talking points as Cristiano Ronaldo bags 906th career goal in UEFA Nations League victory
Cristiano Ronaldo was on the scoresheet as Portugal bagged their third consecutive win in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday. The 2019 winners have continued their impeccable start to the tournament and looked brilliant on the road against Poland.
Bernardo Silva opened the scoring in the 26th minute before Ronaldo extended his legendary tally in the 37th minute to see the Iberian nation take a 2-0 lead into the break. A 78th-minute Piotr Zielinski strike halved the deficit before brilliant play from Nuno Mendes led to a Jan Bednarek own goal.
The game raised a few talking points at the final whistle. Here are five of the most pressing:
5 talking points as Cristiano Ronaldo bags 906th career goal
#5. Cristiano Ronaldo continues his fine form
Cristiano Ronaldo has been in fabulous form for club and country this season. The legendary striker has scored a goal in every UEFA Nations League game this season and is also in outstanding form for Al-Nassr.
Since Euro 2024, Ronaldo has only failed to score in one game for club and country this season. With 11 goals and three assists from 12 games, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is having a brilliant campaign.
#4. Bruno Fernandes is capable of doing wonders
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was a wonder for his nation today after a tough start to the campaign with the Red Devils. He has struggled alongside his club this season but dazzled for Portugal.
Fernandes set up Bernardo Silva for the opening goal in the UEFA Nations League clash and had a fine game where he tested the keeper twice. The Red Devils will hope he can take his form with the national team back to Manchester after the international break and improve on his solitary goal contribution in seven Premier League games.
#3. Portugal's perfect run in the UEFA Nations League continues
Roberto Martinez has led Portugal to a perfect start to their UEFA Nations League campaign. The 2019 winners of the competition are the only team with a 100% record in their section of the competition, and the Spaniard looks set to lead his team to glory again in the tournament this season.
Portugal has bagged seven goals and conceded three in three games to boast a goal difference of four in the group stage. The Iberian nation is joint third for the goals scored and conceded and will be keen to build on their achievements in their next game against Scotland.
#2. Robert Lewandowski poor in the UEFA Nations League despite Barcelona heroics
Robert Lewandowski had a poor game for Poland in the UEFA Nations League, failing to test Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Contrary to his club form, the striker has failed to inspire his nation on the international stage.
The veteran has bagged 12 goals and two assists in 11 games for Blaugrana. However, he has only found one goal and an assist in 252 minutes across three games in the Nations League. He will hope to find his best form in his country's next game against Croatia.
#1. Ruben Dias was one of the best players on the pitch for Portugal
Manchester City defender Ruben Dias was only outperformed by Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes against Poland. His astute performance in defense helped his nation to victory, and he provided a platform for the midfield and attack to control and win the game.
The defender won five duels and two recoveries while completing 71 passes from his 83 touches in a masterful performance.