COVID-19 Forces Team to Start with 9 Players, Finish with 6 in Portugal Football Match

The Portuguese league match between Belenenses and Benfica in the 12th round ended prematurely due to COVID-19 constraints. Several players from Belenenses were unable to participate in the match due to the pandemic. The team had requested a postponement from the Portuguese Football Federation but was denied.

As a result, Belenenses fielded only 9 players at the start of the match, including two goalkeepers. In the first half, Benfica scored 7 goals against their opponents. During the second half, Belenenses managed to bring only 7 players onto the field. Immediately after the whistle to resume play, one of the home team players sustained an injury and could not continue the match. The referee had no choice but to terminate the game early.

After 12 rounds, Belenenses sits in 15th place in the league table, while Benfica leads the standings.