Cristiano Ronaldo hugs pitch invaders before crushing Armenia

Updated 14/06/2015 at 16:14 GMT

Cristiano Ronaldo gave two young pitch invaders the hugs and autographs they were hoping for before scoring a decisive hat-trick as Portugal beat Armenia 3-2 in their Euro 2016 qualifier.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with his team mate Fabio Coentrao (R) after scoring a penalty against Armenia

Image credit: Reuters

The two fans ran onto the pitch at Armenia's Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium as the players warmed up for a key Euro 2016 Group I qualification game.

Rather than berating the youngsters, Ronaldo gave them both a hug and signed autographs before they were sent on their way.

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The Real Madrid star was less sympathetic to the Armenia team however, scoring a third hat-trick in his last three games for club and country to seal a 3-2 comeback win for Portugal.

Armenia took the lead in the 14th minute through forward Marcos Pizzelli, whose free-kick flew into the top corner via the underside of the bar.

The visitors levelled through Ronaldo's spot kick after Henrikh Mkhitaryan fouled playmaker Joao Moutinho.

Ronaldo then put Portugal in front when he capitalised on a defensive mix-up to flick the ball into an empty net.

Cristiano Ronaldo flicks in for his second goal against Armenia

Image credit: Reuters

Three minutes later, the Real Madrid forward completed his treble with a stunning 20-metre strike into the top corner.

Portugal midfielder Tiago was sent off for a second bookable offence just past the hour mark leaving the visitors to sit back and defend in the closing stages.

Armenia's Hrayr Mkoyan reduced the deficit with his first goal for his country after a mistake by keeper Rui Patricio but Portugal held on despite coming under late pressure.