Staff Reporter.
Portugal cruised to a 3-0 victory away to Azerbaijan in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday to move top of Group A.
Portugal were without Cristiano Ronaldo, who was suspended after picking up a yellow card while celebrating his second goal in their last-gasp 2-1 victory over Ireland last week.
Liverpool’s Jota headed in the third to secure the win and leave Azerbaijan on one point at the bottom of the group.
Serbia, who were joint top, face Republic of Ireland later on Tuesday.
The two sides started Tuesday level on 10 points at the top of Group A, with Serbia ahead on goal difference, before Portugal secured their third win of the international break.
Three matches remain for Portugal, who face Luxembourg on October 12.
The victory takes Fernando Santos’s side to the top of Group A with 13 points – three ahead of their qualification rivals Serbia, who visit Ireland later on Tuesday.