Benfica lost the first leg 1-2 at St. Gallen and now host the return in the Europa League second qualifying round. They have looked sharp in patches since. A 2-0 win over Villarreal came just days before that setback, followed by a 5-1 thrashing of Belenenses. St. Gallen sit 2-1 up on aggregate after their July 23 victory and added another 2-1 result against Zurich three days later.
Rafa Silva scored in the first leg for Benfica. Vangelis Pavlidis carries the main attacking threat again here. No players unavailable for the home side. St. Gallen miss Nino Weibel and Behar Neziri through injury. Benfica line up in a 4-2-3-1 while the visitors prefer 3-5-2.
The home side's domestic season has not started yet, so this counts as their first proper test on home soil in 2026. St. Gallen have handled the early schedule well but face a different test away from their own patch. Benfica should find more space and tempo in front of their crowd.
Expect them to push hard from the start. The aggregate deficit is small and their attacking options look capable of breaking down a side missing two players. St. Gallen will look to stay compact and hit on the counter, yet the lack of full squad depth could hurt them over 90 minutes.
Benfica need goals and they have shown they can produce them in recent outings. The visitors have not kept many clean sheets lately either. A high-scoring game remains the likeliest outcome.
Recommended Bets
Benfica -1 Asian Handicap @1.95 — Benfica have won their last two home games by multiple goals and face a St. Gallen side missing key players.
Over 2.5 Goals @1.85 — Both teams scored in the first leg and Benfica's recent results have featured plenty of goals.
Benfica to Win @1.65 — Home advantage and attacking depth should see them overturn the narrow aggregate deficit.
Odds tend to shorten closer to kickoff — lock in value now.
