The Manchester United forward scored twice from the spot and added a third close to the end of the match, keeping pace with group leaders Serbia who are one point clear with one extra match played.
Portugal were awarded a penalty kick just six minutes into the match. The referee pointed to the spot after Bernardo Silva was brought down inside the box, and despite VAR inspection, the decision stood. Ronaldo stepped up and blasted the spot-kick high and straight down the center, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
Four minutes later, the referee pointed to the same spot again after Ronaldo was clattered into by the goalkeeper Anthony Moris. The Manchester United forward took the kick, scored, took the kick again after the referee chalked off his first attempt, and scored again.
Portugal were two goals up and cruising inside the first fifteen minutes, and it didn’t take them long to add a third. Joao Palhinha intercepted a poor clearance in the Luxembourg half, passed the ball to Bernardo, who slipped Bruno Fernandes in behind the defence. Fernandes timed his run to perfection and squeezed the ball past Moris from a tight angle.
After the interval, left-back Nuno Mendes was a constant bright spark for Portugal and fed two superb crosses into the path of Ronaldo, and later, Fernandes. Both players failed to convert their respective chances into a goal despite being in a favorable position.
In search of his hattrick, Cristiano attempted a spectacular overhead kick in the 68th minute after setting himself up with an excellent first touch, but Moris was equal to the effort. However, from the resulting corner, Palhinha headed past the goalkeeper to put Portugal up by four goals.
The 36-year-old had his hattrick in the 87th minute. Following a failed corner, Portugal recycled the ball to Ruben Neves, who lifted it in towards the back post – where the forward was waiting to head it in.
Portugal are up to 16 points in their qualifying group after their latest win. They remain a point adrift of leaders Serbia, who have played a game more. Portugal and Serbia meet in the final group game on November 14.
