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SportsBenfica suffers shocking 1-2 Europa League qualifying loss to St. Gallen
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Portuguese record champions Benfica Lisbon suffered a shocking 1-2 defeat against Swiss side FC St. Gallen in the second round of Europa League qualifiers, facing potential elimination before their domestic season even begins. The Portuguese media reacted harshly, with 'A Bola' calling it a 'scandalous defeat' and stating 'terrible would be a compliment.' St. Gallen took the lead through former Bochum flop Baldé in the 37th minute, but Rafa equalized just before halftime. In the 80th minute, Tom Gaal—who played for third-division relegated Ulm last season—scored the winning header for the Swiss. Benfica's new coach Marco Silva, who came from Fulham, faces an early crisis. The result continues Benfica's recent struggles, having missed Champions League qualification last season despite remaining unbeaten under José Mourinho. The second leg takes place in Lisbon next Thursday.
Source report
The season in Portugal does not start until August 7, but record champions Benfica Lisbon are already facing their first serious crisis. In the second round of the Europa League qualifiers, the Portuguese side suffered a 1-2 defeat against FC St. Gallen. The match-winner played for a third-division relegated team in Ulm last season.
Portuguese Media Reacts Harshly
The Portuguese media are not holding back in their criticism of the record champions. Specialist magazine A Bola described the result as a "scandalous defeat," adding: "To say it was terrible would still be a compliment for Benfica!" Newspaper Record questioned the professionalism of the team and those in charge, asking: "Do they even realize that the season has already started?"
The season could not have started worse for new coach Marco Silva, who arrived from Fulham.
Match Summary
- 37th minute: St. Gallen took the lead through former Bochum flop Baldé, who was sent away after six months due to unprofessional behavior.
- 44th minute: Rafa equalized just before halftime.
- 80th minute: Tom Gaal scored the winning goal for the Swiss side with a header. Gaal played for third-division relegated Ulm last season.
St. Gallen's Enrico Maaßen (42) is facing the biggest success of his career. Photo: CLAUDIO THOMA/EPA
Benfica's Ongoing Struggles
Benfica failed to take control of the game and missed opportunities to take the lead. The series of mishaps for Portugal's elite club continues:
- Last season, they missed qualification for the Champions League despite remaining unbeaten (eleven draws) under star coach José Mourinho (63), who subsequently moved to Real Madrid.
- Now they face elimination from the Europa League before the season has properly begun.
Celebration in St. Gallen
In contrast, there is celebration in St. Gallen. The team of former Augsburg coach Enrico Maaßen is being praised. Swiss outlet Blick described the result as the "biggest victory in the club's history."
On Sunday, St. Gallen begins the new Super League season against FC Zurich. The second leg in Lisbon takes place next Thursday.
Source
BILD - SportWestern
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Benfica Embarrasses Itself with Europa League Qualifying Loss to St. Gallen