- Benfica are unbeaten in 5 away fixtures in all competitions (W3, D2).
- St. Gallen have won 4 of their last 5 matches, beating FC Vaduz 1-0 away from home before their last match.
- The hosts are conceding 2.00 goals per-game at home across all competitions and Benfica have scored at a similar rate away (10 goals in 5).
Benfica must win in Switzerland
FC St. Gallen host SL Benfica for the first leg of their 2026 UEFA Europa League qualification clash in solid form, having won seven, drawn one and lost two of their last ten matches in all competitions. This run includes a 1-0 away win at FC Vaduz before a wild 6-3 loss to Olympique Lyonnais in their previous match.
The Eagles have been in good shape themselves, winning six, drawing three and losing just one of their last ten in all competitions. They drew 2-2 at home to SC Braga and were turned over 1-2 by Flamengo RJ in their two most recent fixtures.
St. Gallen are a high-energy team
Enrico Maassen has transformed the Swiss Super League side into a high-energy, vertical playing unit that can press with intensity and counterattack with pace through the centre of the park. Lukas Goertler is the spark here, as two of St. Gallen's six goals across their last five matches were scored by him. Marco Silva's Benfica are playing a more controlled game and they can still get the ball down and play some fantastic combinations, but their full backs are more active in this system.
Expect an open game in Switzerland
With no deep history to go on between these two clubs, this first-leg will be a chess match of styles, and we think Benfica are the more likely winner on Thursday. However, the home side's tempo and pressing game means that it won't be a walk in the park, and St. Gallen can make this an exciting game of football.
Benfica are the heavy favourites at 1.53, while the Swiss side are 5.73 outsiders in the result market and the draw is 4.0. Over 2.5 goals at 1.55 and both teams to score at 1.62 both look appealing, though, in what should be an entertaining affair.
