Benfica begin their UEFA Europa League campaign today with a crucial first-leg clash against Swiss side St. Gallen in the second qualifying round. While the result is important, today’s match will not decide which team advances, as the tie is played over two legs.
Here’s what happens if Benfica win, draw, or lose today’s first leg.
If Benfica Win Today
A victory would give Benfica an aggregate advantage heading into the second leg, which will be played at home in Lisbon.
Winning the opening match would put the Portuguese giants in a strong position to qualify for the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round. The larger the winning margin, the more comfortable Benfica’s position would be before the return fixture.
However, qualification would not yet be guaranteed, as St. Gallen would still have one more opportunity to overturn the deficit in the second leg.
If Benfica Draw Today
A draw means the tie remains level on aggregate entering the second leg.
Benfica would still control their own destiny, knowing that a victory in Lisbon would secure progression to the next round.
Should both teams remain level on aggregate after the second leg, the match would proceed to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout to determine the winner.
If Benfica Lose Today
A defeat would leave Benfica trailing on aggregate before returning home for the decisive second leg.
The Portuguese club would need to erase the deficit in Lisbon to keep their Europa League hopes alive. Regardless of the margin of defeat, Benfica would still have a chance to qualify because UEFA no longer uses the away goals rule.
Any aggregate tie after the second leg would be settled through extra time and, if required, penalties.
How Europa League Qualifying Works
The UEFA Europa League second qualifying round is contested over two matches:
- First leg
- Second leg
The team with the higher aggregate score after both matches advances to the third qualifying round.
If the aggregate score is tied after 180 minutes, the teams play 30 minutes of extra time. If they are still level, the winner is determined by a penalty shootout.
Since UEFA abolished the away goals rule, goals scored away from home no longer provide any advantage when aggregate scores are tied.
Can Benfica Be Eliminated Today?
No.
Because today’s fixture is only the first leg, Benfica cannot be knocked out regardless of the result. Whether they win, draw, or lose, the qualification battle will be decided in the second leg in Lisbon.
Today’s outcome simply determines which club carries the advantage into the decisive return match.
What’s at Stake?
Advancing past St. Gallen would move Benfica into the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round, bringing the club one step closer to securing a place in the league phase of Europe’s second-tier club competition.
For Benfica, a strong first-leg performance could make the path to qualification significantly easier before returning home for the deciding match.
FAQ
Can Benfica qualify today?
No. The tie is decided over two legs, so today’s match cannot determine the final winner.
Does the away goals rule still apply?
No. UEFA abolished the away goals rule, meaning aggregate ties are decided by extra time and penalties if necessary.
What happens if Benfica and St. Gallen are tied after both matches?
The teams will play extra time, followed by a penalty shootout if the aggregate score remains level.
Where is the second leg played?
The return leg will be played in Lisbon, with Benfica hosting St. Gallen.