Ronaldo shines as Portugal crushes Poland, clinch Nations League knockout spot

A brilliant second half performance as Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace and assisted a goal in Portugal’s 5-1 thumping of Poland.

Having been outplayed by Poland in the first interval, Portugal showed class as they net five goals before Poland got a consolation in the last minutes.

Rafael Leao opened the scoring for the hosts just before the hour mark as he headed home from a Nuno Mendes’ cross.

Ronaldo doubled their lead from the penalty spot before Bruno Fernandes added a third with a superb strike.

Pedro Neto made it four with a smart finish inside the area, following an assist from Ronaldo.

Ronaldo then completed the five-star second-half display with a wonderfully executed bicycle kick from close range.

The Portugal and Al-Nassr captain has now made it 910 career goals, with his brace in the game.

Poland got a consolation goal as Dominik Marczuk well-taken finish from the edge of the box made it 5-1.

Portugal tops the group as they booked a spot in the UEFA Nations League quarter final round.

Poland, who are now level on points with Scotland at the bottom of the group will go face-off on Monday to avoid relegation.