Portugal stormed to a 4-0 win over the Czech Republic in their Nations League A-Group 2 match on Saturday thanks to a Diego Dalot double and strikes by Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Jota. The victory sets up a crunch clash for the Portuguese on Tuesday at home to Spain, who lost 2-1 to visitors Switzerland, knowing a draw will be enough to reach the final four.

Portugal lead the group on 10 points ahead of Spain on eight after five matches with one game left to play. “It’s a unique feeling to be able to help my country,” said Dalot. Ronaldo needed treatment early on after being caught in the face by goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik but soldiered o n. He later played down any fears that he could be a doubt for next weekend’s Derby against Manchester City.

Ronaldo conceded a penalty for handball but Patrik Schick blazed the spot-kick over the bar. Spain lose at home Spain suffered a 2-1 defeat by Switzerland. Manuel Akanji and Breel Embolo scored for the visitors. The Swiss held firm against last year’s finalists for most of the game and handed their rivals only their second home loss in almost 20 years and their first in Spain since 2018.

A hat-trick from Aleksandar Mitrovic set Serbia on course for an easy 4-1 win over Sweden to set up a winner-takes-all clash in their final game against Norway in Oslo on Tuesday. Norway and Serbia top the standings on 10 points, with the Norwegians in pole position thanks to a 1-0 win in Belgrade earlier in the campaign.

The Swedes, however, will need to beat Slovenia in Stockholm to avoid relegation to League C. Norway lost 2-1 to Slovenia despite taking the lead through Erling Haaland.

LOCAL FLAVOUR

Action during Emami East Bengal’s CFL Super Six match against Kidderpore SC in Naihati on Sunday. The match ended goalless. In Kalyani, Mohammedan Sporting defeated Aryan Club 3-0. Santosh Ghosh