Benfica Head to St. Gallen for Europa League Second‑Round Qualifier
The tie carries direct consequences because the winner moves toward the third qualifying round and the loser drops into the Europa Conference League.
Overview
- Benfica travel to Kybunpark in St. Gallen for the first leg of the Europa League second qualifying round on Thursday, July 23, with the return at Estádio da Luz next week.
- Pre-match bookmakers and previews list Benfica as favourites based on greater European experience and recent scoring form, though those assessments are stated as predictions.
- Marco Silva will lead Benfica in continental competition for the first time after José Mourinho's exit, with new signings available but several players unavailable because of suspension, injury or recent World Cup leave.
- St. Gallen arrive on the back of a strong 2025–26 domestic season—Swiss Cup winners and Super League runners-up—but their summer friendlies exposed defensive problems after conceding nine goals in two defeats.
- This is the clubs' first competitive meeting and the outcome matters beyond this tie because the loser will continue in the Europa Conference League while the winner advances in Europa League qualifying.