Bruno Fernandes pulls the reins in midfield as Portugal clinch a late dramatic win over Czechia.

Bruno Fernandes, the Manchester United captain, was at it again, this time as Portugal defeated Czechia 2-1 in their first Euro 2024 match at the Red Bull Arena.

Lukas Provod scored Czechoslovakia’s first goal just after the hour mark with a thunderbolt strike from outside the box.

Portugal restored parity seven minutes later, capitalising on a terrible blunder by the Czech backline, which saw Robin Hranac put the ball in his own net. The game seemed destined to conclude in a tie until replacement Francisco Conceicao stepped up and scored from close range.

Fernandes started in his preferred advanced position in the middle of the park, alongside Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha.

Diogo Dalot and Joao Cancelo took over full-back roles, which required them to continually move into midfield to assist offensively and in the build-up.

Fernandes made 112 touches with the ball.

He tried 89 passes and completed 76 of them, for a pass accuracy of 85%. The playmaker made two vital passes.

The 29-year-old attempted to reach his goal with eight crosses and four long balls. He struck on three long balls, but none of his crosses reached a Selecao teammate.

Fernandes set up a fantastic chance for Cristiano Ronaldo, but the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was denied by Jindrich Stanek, who sprinted out of his goal, made himself enormous, and blocked the striker’s effort.

The United captain had two attempts at the Czech goal blocked. He won two out of six ground duels and two of four aerial challenges.

Fernandes made one tackle and as many interceptions.

It was another fantastic and all-around performance from him. He will definitely be hoping to build on that as Roberto Martinez’s team prepares to face Turkiye next Saturday.