Benfica's clash with Nacional abandoned after just eight minutes due to heavy fog 

Benfica and Nacional's clash lasted just eight minutes on Sunday after officials were forced to abandon the game due to heavy fog.

The game had barely got started at the Estadio da Madeira before both sides were hauled off to see if the fog would clear as conditions became unplayable.

The game has been rearranged for Monday, providing the weather improves in Madeira but it's not the first time Benfica have seen a game called off at this very stadium.

Benfica's Primeira Liga clash with Nacional abandoned after eight minutes due to heavy fog 

Former QPR goalkeeper Julio Cesar started in goal for the Portuguese champions on Sunday

Benfica's players are staff leave the pitch after the referee decided to abandon the clash

Back in October, the Primeira Liga champions were due to play Uniao da Madeira but the referee was forced to postpone it an hour before kick off.

The mountainous Funchal area is notorious for heavy fog and plays havoc with sporting events at the Estadio da Madeira.

It makes the rearranged game all the more important after Sporting Lisbon and Porto both won over the weekend. 

The reigning champions currently sit seven points behind leaders Sporting heading into the clash.

Porto, who recently departed company with manager Julen Lopetegui, thrashed Boavista 5-0 to keep themselves in the running.

Raul Jimenez (left) vies with Zainadine Chavango but both were soon making their way down the tunnel

Joao Camacho (left) and Benfica's Eliseu compete for the ball during the unplayable conditions