Benfica ‘to tighten the belt’ after Champions League absence | OneFootball

Benfica face a tighter budget next season after missing the Champions League, and could be pushed into sales to balance the books. According to Glorioso 1904, the loss of Europe’s top-tier income will weigh heavily on the accounts.

In this season’s Champions League, Benfica earned 53.1 million euros from participation and results. That windfall will not recur in 2026/27. A place in the Champions League is worth 18.62 million euros, while the Europa League berth brings only 4.31 million.

The gap widens in prize money. A Champions League winner can clear more than 100 million euros, whereas lifting the Europa League would be expected to yield 32.66 million for Benfica.

Third place in Liga Portugal Betclic has sent Benfica to the Europa League, but the league-phase spot is not yet assured. One path requires three qualifying rounds, which would force a much earlier pre-season start.

The other path depends on the Taça de Portugal. Sporting meet Torreense in the final. If Rui Borges’ side win the trophy, the berth would pass automatically to Benfica, guaranteeing a place in the competition’s league phase.

Source: Glorioso 1904