Benfica faces St. Gallen in the 2nd qualifying round of the Europa League.

Benfica faces a demanding opponent right at the first test of the new season: the UEFA draw has determined that the Eagles will face St. Gallen from Switzerland in the second qualifying round of the Europa League. The first leg will be played on July 23 in Switzerland, marking the official start of Marco Silva’s era as head coach of the Eagles, and everything will be decided on July 30, in a Luz expected to be buzzing.

The draw, held this Tuesday by UEFA, outlined Benfica’s path in what is the first of three crucial stages to secure a place in the league phase of the competition. St. Gallen, an opponent that cannot be underestimated, finished last season as the Swiss vice-champion, just five points behind the champions Thun, and also lifted the Swiss Cup, confirming itself as one of the most consistent teams in the Swiss league in recent years. For Benfica, this is a litmus test that could dictate much of what the start of the 2026/27 season will look like.

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This confrontation arises at a time of great expectations surrounding Benfica, not only due to the arrival of Marco Silva – who turned down lucrative offers from other markets to lead the club at Luz – but also because of the need to return the team to the top of European football. An early elimination at this stage would be a genuine disaster, both sporting and financial, potentially jeopardizing the entire planning of the season. The pressure is therefore on the Eagles, who will need to demonstrate solid arguments early on to avoid compromising the club’s European prestige.

After the draw, Marco Silva expressed confidence but caution. “We know that the Europa League is an extremely demanding competition and that St. Gallen has had a remarkable journey in Switzerland. We will prepare at the highest level to meet the expectations of the fans and ensure progression to the next round,” said the coach, highlighting the squad’s commitment to this initial challenge. The Portuguese manager also emphasized the importance of starting the season on the right foot and turning the Estádio da Luz into a true hell for opponents. “Playing the second leg at home is important, but it only makes sense if we bring a good result from Switzerland. We will approach each game as a final,” Marco Silva reiterated, pointing to the clear objective of reaching the group stage.

The complete draw for the second qualifying round reveals a competitive landscape that promises excitement and surprises. In addition to the clash between St. Gallen and Benfica, other matches of high difficulty, such as Besiktas–Midtjylland or Twente–Vojvodina/Ferencváros, stand out, proving that the path to the group stage is far from a stroll for any team. However, all eyes in Portugal will be on the performance of the Eagles, who are obliged to assert their status and quality.

Benfica will now accelerate preparations, with Marco Silva working intensively to integrate new signings and consolidate the playing model. The coach wants a pressing, ambitious team that is unafraid to take control of the game, even in hostile environments. The objective is clear: to pass this tie without any hitches and gain momentum for the upcoming challenges.

With the first leg scheduled for July 23 in Switzerland and the final decision on July 30 at the Estádio da Luz, the Eagles have no margin for error. A strong and uncompromising start is essential, lest they jeopardize their European dream right from the outset. Now it remains to be seen if Marco Silva can give Benfica the authoritative start that the fans and the club’s history demand.

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