'The result would also be like this' - Cristiano Ronaldo defended by Danilo Pereira after Portugal storm to record nine-goal victory over Luxembourg without their captain

Ronaldo was forced to sit out a Euro 2024 qualifier against Luxembourg after collecting three yellow cards in Portugal’s campaign so far. He had figured, playing the full 90 minutes, in a 1-0 victory over Slovakia on Friday.

Goncalo Ramos led the line with Ronaldo forced to watch on from afar, and bagged a brace as Portugal recorded their biggest win of all-time – having previously enjoyed three 8-0 successes. Questions have been asked of whether they need Ronaldo in order to compete at next summer’s European Championship.

Danilo insists that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner remains an integral part of Roberto Martinez’s plans, telling reporters after a demolition job against hapless Luxembourg: "If Cristiano Ronaldo was here, the result would also be like this. He would help with goals and assists. It wasn't because of his absence that this game was won by eight or nine goals."

Ronaldo, who is 38 years of age, now has 201 caps for his country and a historic haul of 123 international goals. He will be hoping to maintain impressive form at club level for Al-Nassr, where he has hit 12 goals this season, and keep himself in contention to play a leading role for Portugal at another major tournament.