Benfica officially started the 2026/27 season on July 23, 2026, with a disappointing 2-1 loss to Swiss side St. Gallen in the first leg of the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League.

The match took place in St. Gallen, where the home team took the lead in the 37th minute with a goal from Aliou Baldé. Benfica, facing uncertainties within their squad, managed to equalize just seven minutes later through Rafa. However, St. Gallen regained the lead and sealed their victory with a goal from Tom Gaal in the 80th minute.

Benfica will have the opportunity to turn the tie around in the second leg, scheduled for July 30 at Estádio da Luz. The winner of this matchup will face the team emerging from the clash between Sturm Graz and the Scottish club Hearts, with Sturm Graz having won the first leg decisively with a score of 4-0.