Benfica in race to relay Estádio da Luz pitch before Europa League start | OneFootball

With the Europa League the priority, Benfica face a race against time to relay the Estádio da Luz pitch before competitive action begins. The club plans its usual end-of-season turf change, but an earlier start compresses the timeline.

Record reports that the replacement works are set for 9 July, leaving only 14 days to have the surface ready for the first official match on 23 July. The club, led by Rui Costa, is therefore working to a tight window.

The schedule is further complicated by major concerts at the stadium. The first of two Bad Bunny shows took place on 26 May, with the second on Wednesday, 27 May.

Iron Maiden are due on 7 July, two days before works begin. The stage will be dismantled on 8 July, only then can the pitch be replaced.

Benfica do not yet know whether the 23 July first leg of the Europa League second qualifying round will be at home or away. The return is scheduled for 30 July. The uncertainty stems from Torreense earning direct entry after beating Sporting in the Taça de Portugal.

Source: Glorioso 1904