Football: Ronaldo nets hat-trick as Portugal rout Luxembourg

FARO (REUTERS) - A 58th career hat-trick from Cristiano Ronaldo helped Portugal stroll to a 5-0 home win over Luxembourg in Group A of World Cup qualifying on Tuesday (Oct 12). The treble, which meant Ronaldo became the first man to net 10 international hat-tricks, takes his tally to 115 international goals from 182 caps as he continues to pull away as the top men's international goalscorer of all-time. Victory ensures Portugal remain a point behind leaders Serbia, who moved onto 17 points with a 3-1 home win over Azerbaijan, with a game in hand and superior goal difference. Portugal had the game all but won within the first 18 minutes. Ronaldo struck twice from the penalty spot before his Manchester United team mate Bruno Fernandes made it three as he fired in following good work from Bernardo Silva. The forward then missed two gilt-edged chances either side of the break as he sought a third, before being denied a spectacular hat-trick goal when Anthony Moris kept out his acrobatic overhead kick. Portugal did not have to wait long for their fourth, however, as midfielder Joao Palhinha headed in from the resulting corner with just over 20 minutes to go. Ronaldo was not to be denied as the hosts pushed on, netting three minutes from time with a header from close range. Next month Fernando Santos's Portugal side travel to Ireland before then hosting Serbia in what could be a winner-takes-all fixture to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Football: Bamford hits hat-trick as Leeds end Villa’s winning start

BIRMINGHAM (REUTERS) - Leeds United's Patrick Bamford scored a superb hat-trick as they brought Aston Villa's winning start to the season to an abrupt end with a 3-0 away victory in the Premier League on Friday (Oct 23). After an entertaining but goalless first half, Jack Grealish went close to a stunning opener for Villa in the 52nd minute, running from the halfway line and jinking into the box before his shot was well saved by keeper Illan Meslier. Three minutes later though Villa found themselves behind when a Rodrigo shot was pushed out by Emiliano Martinez and Bamford pounced to slot home the loose ball. Bamford then made it 2-0 with a fine shot from the edge of the area in the 67th minute after a strong burst from midfield by Mateusz Klich had put Villa's defence on the back foot. The Leeds striker then completed his hat-trick, his smart footwork creating just enough space for a precise, curling finish after 74 minutes for his first Premier League treble. The win moves Leeds up to third on 10 points, albeit having played an extra game, two points behind Villa, while leaders Everton, who have 13 points, are at Southampton on Sunday.