Benfica Beaten in Switzerland, Besiktas Take Narrow Lead in Europa League Second Qualifying Round
In the first official matches of the 2026-2027 season, Benfica and Besiktas had contrasting results in the Europa League second preliminary round. Benfica, now coached by Marco Silva after José Mourinho's departure to Real Madrid, lost 2-1 away to Swiss side St. Gallen. Aliou Baldé opened the scoring with a curling shot in the 37th minute, Rafa Silva equalized for Benfica just before halftime, but Tom Gaal scored the winner for St. Gallen in the 80th minute. Benfica must overturn the deficit at home in the return leg. Meanwhile, Besiktas secured a 1-0 home victory over Danish side Midtjylland, playing with a numerical advantage from the 15th minute. Orkun Kökçü scored the only goal in the 26th minute. Besiktas take a slight advantage into the return leg in Denmark on July 30.
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