Liverpool fans explain their feelings to Cristiano Ronaldo with Diogo Jota’s message

Liverpool fans were left questioning the wisdom of Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez after Diogo Jota was benched for his country’s Euro 2024 opener – while Cristiano Ronaldo was given the start.

The decision to deploy AC Milan’s Rafael Leao in an attacking trio proved fruitless as the former Everton boss turned to his substitutes to make the difference in the second half against the Czech Republic. Trailing 1-0 after Lukas Provod’s strike in the 62nd minute, Jota was sent off for the last half hour in Leipzig.

The introduction of the Reds forwards from the shadows proved an inspired move from his manager as he had a hand in the equalizer when Robin Hranac put in an own goal just minutes later. His panicked own goal came after Ronaldo and Jota waited to dive into the penalty area after a header across the box.

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From there, Portugal were largely in the ascendancy, with Martinez’s side buoyed by the energy of the fresh legs of their replacements. They looked to have received their only reward for their efforts in the 87th minute when Jota headed in Ronaldo’s header from five yards to make sure of it for the Euro 2016 winners.

However, a VAR check determined there was an offside in the build-up to the goal, meaning the apparent winner was ruled out. However, Portugal did not relent in their efforts in search of another goal and eventually took the lead for the first time of the evening in the second minute of extra time.

Francisco Conceicao’s dramatic goal sparked rapturous celebrations from his teammates, who struck just moments after being brought on as a substitute. On a night that was defined by the contributions of Martinez’s reinforcements from the bench, some Liverpool fans questioned the former Wigan Athletic boss for his selection.

One supporter was unequivocal in his feelings that Jota’s early snub for Portugal’s opener proved to be a mistake, claiming: “Jota should be starting ahead of Ronaldo,” while a second added: “Bruno and Leao would should be on the bench. I’d make Bernardo Silva 10 and start Jota with Cr7 up front.”

Meanwhile, a third said: “Jota is coming and Portugal are scoring so he should start before Ronaldo,” while another fan made an exaggerated point about Ronaldo’s advancing years as he gave his verdict on decision, saying: “Because I left my Jota. on the bench i hope they lose what is ronaldo doing here?

Going further, one angry fan also said: Diogo Jota should start over that loser Ronaldo, as another Reds enthusiast added: “How Ronaldo starts over Jota in 2024 I’ll never know.”