Portugal 3-3 Spain: 5 things we learned as Ronaldo starred

REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino

At the final whistle, everyone in the stadium knew it - they had just witnessed a classic. And there was a sense of respect that transcended old rivalries. Group stage games rarely get better than this. 

When Spain and Portugal were drawn in the same group, football fans all over the globe wetted their lips in anticipation. This game had the potential to be a thriller, but with both nations suffering controversy during the build-up, there was a danger of it turning into a damp squib.

Such fears were allayed in the opening exchanges as Cristiano Ronaldo set the tone for a game that will be remembered for years to come. And it's rare you can say that about a World Cup group match. 

But what did we learn from this pulsating clash?