Hitman Romelu Lukaku blasts the Red Devils to victory over Azerbaijan with four goals before the end of the first half Euro 2024 qualifiers

It started on a false note in Brussels. Literally, because Sweden’s national anthem was still on the CD player at King Baudouin Stadium. Once the error was corrected, things got off to a rocky start on the field.

It was basically Doku who sped up the Red Devils’ game. After several moves without a final result, he drew the ball to Lukaku’s head, who fired it with a wonderful header.

Two minutes later, things looked better, as sensitive Eddie received a second yellow card and was allowed to shower. The remaining ten Azerbaijanis went missing. First, Castagne set the ball back for Lukaku and moments later Fay provided the assist for the captain’s hat-trick.

And Big Room’s hunger is still not satisfied. Before the end of the first half, he fired his fourth goal over the ropes. After a pass from Mangala, he worked his way to his 83rd international goal. The stats manuals have been completely rewritten.

After the break, without Lukaku, things were a little less so. Azerbaijan came out of the dressing room more combative, while the Red Devils showed some laziness.

Doku administered some electric shocks and Tielemans made the post shake, but it was all in vain. In the final minutes, after another run from the elusive Doku, Trossard put the icing on the cake.

Thanks to the smooth 5-0 scoreline, the Red Devils crowned themselves group winners. They will soon enter the cup as seeds in the European Championship draw.