Two-time Champions League winners Benfica face St Gallen for a place in the Europa League just months after reaching the UCL playoffs. The Portuguese heavyweights didn't have time for a proper preseason, which raises questions about their form and perhaps gives Espen a better chance for an upset than usual.
A flawless campaign under Jose Mourinho, and the club's first undefeated season since 1972-73, was not enough for either the title or Champions League football. Benfica are now the first European team to go unbeaten in an entire campaign and finish third.
The Special One was replaced by ex-Fulham boss Marco Silva, and Benfica may need some time to adjust to the new style. But even after the most drastic changes, the Eagles should be able to handle their modest opponents.
The oldest existing Swiss club, St Gallen are not the most familiar name to the wider public, as they've only reached the group/league phase of a UEFA competition twice – in 2013-14 and 2024-25.
They played in the Conference League two years ago and finished in 29th place with one win in six league phase fixtures.
Their one advantage at this point is the longer preparation, as St Gallen played four friendlies before this clash, while Benfica only came back to action 10 days ago.
How the bookies view it: The Eagles are making it to the league phase
Benfica have been named one of the heaviest favourites in this qualification round, and it was exactly what we expected when we saw the official draw. After all, St Gallen's squad is only priced at around €32.05m, while Benfica are worth about €397.50m.
The gap in class is significant and it has been reflected in the odds. You can currently back St Gallen at 11/2, a draw at 7/2, or Benfica at around 2/5.
Recent head-to-head: FCSG have bad memories
St Gallen and Benfica have never faced each other in the past, and this is a rare opportunity for the FCSG to test their strength against a football giant.
Their experience with Portuguese opposition has not been positive, however, having recently lost to 4-1 to Vitoria de Guimaraes in the Conference League.
Players to watch: Pavlidis can crush St Gallen’s dreams
Benfica's Vangelis Pavlidis will certainly end his career as a Benfica legend if he continues to perform at the same level. The long summer break has definitely done him good, as he scored a goal in each of the Eagles' two friendly matches this month.
After back-to-back seasons with 30 goals for Benfica, Pavlidis will once again be the main threat in the team this season, and St Gallen's defence will have to perform at its best to stop him.
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Probable line-ups
St Gallen: Ati Zigi, Okoroji, Stanic, Gaal, Vandermersch, Gortler, Daschner, Boukhalfa, Stevanovic, Besio, Balde
Benfica: Trubin, Dahl, Lenglet, Silva, Bah, Barreiro, Barrenechea, Silva, Sudakov, Kaminski, Pavlidis
Anything else catch the eye?
Benfica were clearly still on vacation when they faced Flamengo RJ and lost in their first preseason friendly. But we watched their second match with Villarreal live, and it was a very different performance.
Friendlies never tell the whole story, but Benfica looked good, while St Gallen got obliterated in back-to-back games by Norwich (3-0) and Lyon (6-3).
Both sides in this matchup are known for their goal-packed matches, and given the early stage of the season, we can expect some action on both ends. Benfica should win, but not without breaking a sweat.
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