LFC Live - Portugal team honour Diogo Jota in first match since Liverpool star's tragic death

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It was the country's first match since the Liverpool forward was involved in a fatal car accident at the start of July.

Jota, who was 28 at the time, had been travelling by car through the Spanish region of Zamora with his brother, Andre Silva, on their way to Liverpool for the beginning of pre-season training.

An accident took both of their lives in the early hours of July 3 and the footballing world have been left to honour the two footballers' memories in the months since.

His final match for Liverpool saw Jota lift the Premier League trophy, whilst his last outing for his country weeks later saw him win the UEFA Nations League.

Portugal had not played since the tragedy until they faced Armenia on Saturday night.

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The World Cup qualifier began with former Chelsea forward Joao Felix netting after 10 minutes.

He was an unused substitute on the night.

Poignantly, Cristiano Ronaldo doubled Portugal's lead in the 21st minute of the game.

Speaking to RTP after the final whistle, manager Roberto Martinez said: "Diogo Jota is always with us, but being able to score in the 21st minute was special, a sign that we continue to walk together.

"Diogo Jota's presence is strong and clear; I felt it on the first day of training camp; he's with us."

Defender Nuno Tavares added: "We're all very happy because it shows he's with us, that he was there, and that moment, Ronaldo's goal, was made possible.

This had been made famous by Jota after he scored a dramatic late winner in a 4-3 victory against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield in April 2023.

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In the second half, Ronaldo and Felix capped off the comfortable win with a second goal each.

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