Benfica clinches 5‑0 win over St Gallen to reach Europa League third round

Benfica St Gallen Europa League 5‑0 victory Hearts

Benfica entered the second leg of their Europa League second‑qualifying round on 30 July 2026 at the Estádio da Luz trailing 2‑1 from the first‑leg defeat in Switzerland. The Portuguese side needed a two‑goal margin to avoid extra time – a one‑goal win would have sent the tie to penalties.

The home team delivered a decisive performance, beating St Gallen by a 5‑0 scoreline. Forward Pavlidis scored four goals, while the team’s overall play was described as intense and dominant.

With the aggregate score now 6‑2, Benfica advance to the third‑round draw where they will meet Scottish club Hearts. St Gallen’s first‑choice goalkeeper Lawrence Ati‑Zigi missed the match through injury, and the Swiss side fielded their backup keeper.

Entities: António Silva · Enrico Maaßen · Enrico Massen · FC St. Gallen · Marco Silva · Pavlidis · Rafa Silva · S.L. Benfica · SL Benfica · Sport Lisboa e Benfica

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 13 SOURCES] The winner of the tie will face Hearts in the next round. (future fixture)
[● 3 SOURCES] Benfica’s defender António Silva remains at the club and is fully committed. (player commitment)
[○ 1 SOURCE] St. Gallen’s goalkeeper Lawrence Ati‑Zigi was unavailable for the match due to injury. (team news)
[● 13 SOURCES] Benfica lost the first leg 2‑1 to St. Gallen in Switzerland. (first leg result)
[● 13 SOURCES] Benfica needed to win by at least two goals to advance without extra time. (competition rule)
[● 13 SOURCES] If Benfica won by a single goal, the tie would go to a penalty shoot‑out. (competition rule)
[● 13 SOURCES] The second leg was played at Estádio da Luz in Lisbon on 30 July 2026 at 20:00. (match schedule)
[○ 1 SOURCE] St. Gallen coach Enrico Massen said the team will “play without fear” and expects a “very intense” Benfica. (article 415730be-3966-4a71-8fc6-94a1854fb9b6)
[○ 1 SOURCE] St. Gallen coach Enrico Maaßen said the team will play without fear and expects a very intense Benfica. (coach comment)
[● 9 SOURCES] The second leg will be played at Estádio da Luz in Lisbon on 30 July 2026 at 20:00. (match schedule)
[● 2 SOURCES] Benfica won the second leg 5‑0 against St Gallen. (match result)
[● 2 SOURCES] Pavlidis scored four goals in the second‑leg victory. (player performance)