Bernardo Silva and Ruben Neves stunned at Benfica game that was abandoned at 7-0

League leaders Benfica were 7-0 up at half-time in part because the relegation battlers began the game with nine players, two of them being goalkeepers.

Despite the half-time deficit, the second half was still played, but the referee was forced to put Belenenses out of their misery when goalkeeper Joao Monteiro - playing in midfield - went down injured meaning the minimum number of players were not on the field. The game was subsequently abandoned.

COVID tests carried out in the week saw 17 members of the team having to isolate causing the shortage for the side who are 18th in Primeira Liga.

Given the severity of the club's situation, the hosts were disappointed the match went ahead.

"Football only has heart if it is competitive. Football only has heart if it is really sporting," a joint statement from the players read.

"Football only has heart when it is an example of public health. Today, football lost its heart."

Belenenses also received backing from Manchester City star Bernardo Silva and Wolves attacker Ruben Neves.

Writing on Twitter, he said: "What is this? Am I the only one who doesn't understand why the game hasn't been postponed?" It drew a response from his compatriot and Premier League colleague, who wrote: "Exactly. It's not really understandable."

As for the match itself, Darwin Nunez of Benfica netted a hat-trick during the rout and there were other goals for former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Julian Weigl and Switzerland forward Haris Seferovic.