Benfica have discovered their potential opponents in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League, with either Sturm Graz or Heart of Midlothian (Hearts) awaiting if the Portuguese side overcome Swiss club St. Gallen.
The Eagles begin their European campaign away to St. Gallen on Thursday before hosting the return leg at the Estádio da Luz on 30 July. Should Benfica progress, they will face the team eliminated from the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round tie between Austrian champions Sturm Graz and Scottish side Hearts. The third qualifying round matches are scheduled for 6 and 13 August.
A meeting with Sturm Graz would mark a historic first, as the two clubs have never met in an official competition. The Austrian side have emerged as the country's dominant force after winning back-to-back Bundesliga titles in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons, ending Red Bull Salzburg's long-standing dominance. Managed by 34-year-old Fabio Ingolitsch, Sturm Graz are known for their aggressive pressing and attacking style of play.
A clash with Hearts would revive a memorable chapter in Benfica's European history. The clubs previously met in the 1960/61 European Cup, the season Benfica won the first of their two consecutive European titles. Benfica defeated the Scottish club 2-1 in Edinburgh before sealing qualification with a convincing 3-0 victory in Lisbon, a triumph that paved the way for European glory.
If Benfica fail to eliminate St. Gallen, they already know they will drop into the UEFA Conference League qualifying path, where another opportunity to reach a European league phase will await.
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