Albania 0-1 Portugal: Miguel Veloso scores headed winner in injury time as Fernando Santos' men leave it late at Elbasan Arena

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Miguel Veloso broke Albanian hearts with a last gasp bullet header
Gianni De Biasi's Albanians so nearly claimed a goalless draw in Group I
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo threatened in the first half at the Elbasan Arena but the home side held firm until injury time

Published: 16:42 EST, 7 September 2015 | Updated: 17:07 EST, 7 September 2015

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A stoppage time header by defender Miguel Veloso gave Portugal a 1-0 win in Albania and allowed them to extend their lead on top of Euro 2016 qualifying Group I on Monday.

The Portuguese have 15 points from six games, ahead of Denmark who have 12 from seven after a 0-0 draw in Armenia.

Third-placed Albania have 11 points from six games and despite the setback are assured of at least a play-off berth.

Portugal's Miguel Veloso (centre) broke Albanian hearts with a last gasp bullet header from a corner

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo (right) tries to get the better of Albania's Basel defender Taulant Xhaka

The three-time Ballon d'Or winner endured a frustrating night at the Elbasan Arena with his national side

MATCH FACTS

ALBANIA: Berisha, Cana, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Xhaka, Abrashi (Basha 54), Kukeli, Agolli, Lenjani, Gashi (Roshi 71), Cikalleshi (Balaj 86).

Subs not used: Shehi, Hoxha, Rrahmani, Lila, Aliji, Memushaj, Kace, Salihi, Sadiku.

Booked: Djimsiti 23, Abrashi 43.

PORTUGAL: Patricio, R. Carvalho, Eliseu, Pepe, Danny (Eder 76), Veloso, B. Silva (Quaresma 65), Nani, Vieirinha (Cedric 54), Pereira, Ronaldo.

Subs not used: Lopes, Beto, Guerreiro, Oliveira, Fonte, Andre, A. Silva, Mario, Varela.

Booked: Nani 82.

Goal: Danny 90+.

Portugal avenged their shock defeat by the Albanians in the reverse fixture at home after Veloso rescued them from a series of misses by Cristiano Ronaldo in Elbasan.

The Real Madrid hitman skewed an inviting cross wide from almost point blank range in the 13th minute, shortly after forcing a good save from keeper Etrit Berisha.

He glanced a header wide on the half hour and it looked like Albania would hang on until Veloso rose above his marker to head home a Ricardo Quaresma corner.

Fernando Santos' Portugal are at home to Denmark and then away to eliminated Serbia in their last two qualifiers.

Meanwhile Gianni De Biasi's Albania are at home to Serbia before they visit out-of-contention Armenia.