Breaking: if Benfica get past St. Gallen, they'll face… | OneFootball

Benfica already know their possible opponent in the third Europa League qualifying round. If they get past St. Gallen in next week’s tie, Marco Silva’s side will face the loser of the clash between Austria’s Sturm Graz and Scotland’s Hearts, according to the draw held by UEFA this Monday in Nyon.

The Eagles will play the first leg at home on 6 August, while the second is scheduled for the 13th, away from home. Sturm Graz and Hearts are currently in the second qualifying round of the Champions League.

The team that is eliminated will automatically drop into the Europa League, becoming Benfica’s opponent if the Reds get past St. Gallen. Marco Silva’s team are in the competition’s Main Path and will be seeded, provided they confirm their place in the next stage.

The Main Path includes 14 teams: three enter directly at this round, nine come from the second Europa League qualifying round and two drop down from the Champions League through the league path. Before thinking about the third qualifying round, Benfica will have to overcome St. Gallen in their first official match of the season.

The first leg will be played next Thursday, 23 July, at 19:00, at the Berit Sitter Stadium in Switzerland. The match will be officiated by Italian referee Luca Pairetto, chosen by UEFA to oversee the game. The Eagles’ aim is to secure a positive result away from home and take an important step towards qualification for the next round of the Europa League.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.