Benfica kick doors open into league phase of Europa League

 

Benfica have punched their ticket to the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League league phase following a dominant qualifying campaign.

The Road to the League Phase

The Portuguese side kicked off their European journey in the second qualifying round against Swiss club St. Gallen. Despite a tight 2–1 away loss in the first leg, Benfica roared back with a dominant 5–0 home victory at the Estadio da Luz to advance 6–2 on aggregate. 

In the third qualifying round, Benfica dismantled Scottish club Heart of Midlothian 7–2 on aggregate, fueled by a resounding 6–1 home victory. They followed up in the play-off round by eliminating Danish side AGF Aarhus 6–2 on aggregate, sealing their progression with a 3–1 away win in Denmark.

This marks Benfica's return to the competition since the 2023/24 season, where they reached the quarter-finals.

League Phase Schedule & Opponents 

Following the draw in Monaco, Benfica's eight unique opponents are set for the formatted 36-team single league phase. They will play four fixtures at home and four on the road. The dates and times of the games will be announced on Monday August 31 with the competition commencing on September 16 or 17.

Benfica's opponents:

Home: AZ Alkmaar, Celtic, Lech Poznan, OFI Crete

Away: AC Milan, Viktoria Plzen, Omonia, NEC Nijmegen 

Strength of Schedule Analysis

Benfica face a highly manageable path with a trip to Italy to take on Ruben Amorim's AC Milan being the toughest game of the league phase on paper.

Benfica have a great opportunity to maximize points in front of their home fans with the schedule presented and will need to navigate their road fixtures. Odds makers have the club as 20-1 favourites to capture the Europa League crown which places them in ninth among the thirty-six entrants.

With a deeply talented squad and a highly favorable fixture list, the Eagles are well-equipped to make a deep run. This tournament represents the perfect stage for Benfica to reassert their status as a dominant force in European football.

Benfica turn to left back for their next reinforcement

Benfica have turned their full attention to landing a new left-back before the summer transfer window slams shut, immediately following their blockbuster signing of midfielder Joao Palhinha today. With the defensive midfield role securely reinforced by the €14 million acquisition from Bayern Munich, manager Marco Silva wants to add experienced depth at the left back position. The player should be able to provide a different style than current starting left back Samuel Dahl.

The Eagles have actively explored a sensational move for Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde, weighing up a potential €20 million bid to pride him away from Spain. However, with a deal for Balde increasingly viewed as unlikely due to valuation gaps, Benfica are simultaneously keeping other options warm. The club is evaluating late market alternatives to ensure they bring in a robust competitor before the deadline passes.

One of the names that has popped up in the last 48 hours is Al-Qadsiah left back Souffian El Karouani who has been left out of match day squads due to the Saudi league having limits on foreign players dressed for league games. Al-Qadsiah are said to be open to a loan or permanent transfer of the player. This situation could present an ideal opportunity for Benfica to secure a player who logged a staggering 18 assists at Utrecht last season.

Currently, Benfica is relying on youth academy prospect Jose Neto to back up Dahl and although they also have Rafael Obrador on the books, he has been loaned out again for the season. Benfica manager Marco Silva is hoping that the club can bring in a quality back over the next couple of weeks. Could free agent Portuguese international Raphael Guerreiro's name enter the mix... we shall see. 

Joao Palhinha arrives in Portugal to sign with Benfica

Joao Palhinha has touched down in Lisbon ahead of his landmark Benfica switch. The Portuguese international defensive midfielder arrived in Lisbon on Saturday, signaling the final stages of his highly anticipated transfer to Benfica. The 31-year-old’s arrival has sent waves of excitement through the capital as he prepares to formalize a return to his homeland.

Benfica and Bayern Munich have locked in a definitive permanent transfer agreement. The German champions accepted a structured deal valued at a guaranteed €14 million to €15 million, rising up to €20 million once realistic performance-related add-ons are met. Eager to be closer to his family, Palhinha personally prioritized the Eagles, turning down aggressive Premier League interest from both Newcastle United and Aston Villa.

 

This brings a swift end to his time at Bayern, who originally signed him from Fulham for €50 million in the summer of 2024. Palhinha fell out of favour with Bayern after his first season and spent last season on loan at Tottenham were some of his key game winning goals late in the season, helped the London side avoid relegation from the English top flight.

Palhinha's career has spanned several clubs as he came through Sacavenense's youth system before joining Sporting's academy. He would spend loan spells with Moreirense, Belenenses and Braga before breaking into Sporting's main squad. Sporting would cash in on Palhinha's fine form in the summer of 2022 and move him to Fulham before he joined current club Bayern Munich. The final details of the contract with Benfica is expected to be rubber-stamped over the coming days and fans can rejoice with a key addition added to the squad.