"I would also like to thank the Chinese ambassador in Lisbon for his immediate availability to be with us today at Stadium of Light, where we have expressed a very clear message of support for the Chinese people," he added.

Cai Run, China's ambassador to Portugal, expressed his thanks to Benfica and the Portuguese people for their show of solidarity and support.

"I would like to thank Benfica and friends from all around Portugal for their condolences and support to China in fighting the coronavirus. This has shown the friendship between Portuguese and Chinese people," the ambassador said.

"Tonight, I believe Chinese people will be able to hear the loud chants of 'Stay strong China, we are together' by all Portuguese people at the Stadium of Light," he added.

"With strong support coming from around the world including Portugal, China has the confidence and ability to win this battle," Cai continued.

Benfica has close ties with China, and currently has two football schools located in the Chinese cities of Chongqing and Nantong, where eight of the club's coaches are responsible for training around 300 athletes.