Why Benfica are favourites
Gap in class: the hosts have a vastly superior level of individual quality and a deep bench capable of turning the game at any moment — Benfica’s squad is valued at 12 times as much.
Crowd pressure: the home stadium will force the visitors into mistakes under constant pressing.
Tournament motivation: the need to overturn the deficit will make the Portuguese side attack with maximum concentration from the first minute.
Form and Line-up Benfica
The Lisbon club are only just easing into the official calendar, and the lack of understanding in the revamped midfield line is still evident. At the same time the squad depth allows them to vary the tempo and overpower opponents through individual quality. Several players are still being rested after the World Cup — and they are some of the most valuable: Dodi Lukebakio, Fredrik Aursnes, Andreas Schjelderup. Hence the defeat in the first game.
Key numbers Benfica:
The Lisbon club have conceded at least one goal in four of their last five home matches in European competition.
An over on goals has landed in three of Benfica’s four matches this season.
On their own pitch the Eagles recorded four wins in seven 2025/26 Champions League matches.
Probable Benfica line-up (4-2-3-1): Anatoliy Trubin — Alexander Bah, Antonio Silva, Clement Lenglet, Samuel Dahl — Manu Silva, Miguel Figueiredo — Rafa Silva, Georgiy Sudakov, Jakub Kaminski — Vangelis Pavlidis.
Unavailable: Amar Dedic, Dodi Lukebakio, Fredrik Aursnes, Andreas Schjelderup, Tomas Araujo (all — rest), Gianluca Prestianni (suspension), Leandro Barreiro (injury).
Form and Line-up St Gallen
The Swiss club have hit excellent form thanks to the early start of the domestic league — they beat Zurich in the first round (2:1) and have played numerous friendlies. Enrico Maassen consistently uses a back three to reduce the risk of being exposed. There are no serious new absences; only Nino Weibel remains in the treatment room. There are no suspensions.
Key numbers St Gallen:
The visitors have scored at least one goal in six consecutive away matches in European competition.
Over 2.5 goals has landed in five of the team’s last six official fixtures.
Away from home, the club from St Gallen have gone three European games in a row without a win.
Probable St Gallen line-up (3-5-2): Lawrence Ati-Zigi — Chima Okoroji, Jozo Stanic, Tom Gaal — Chima Okoroji, Mihailo Stevanovic, Carlo Boukhalfa, Lukas Daschner, Lukas Gortler, Hugo Vandermersch — Aliou Balde, Christian Witzig.
Unavailable: Nino Weibel (injury).
Who Will Referee the Match
Florian Badstubner (Germany)
Matches — 10 (international fixtures, 2025–2026);
Fouls per game on average — 29;
Yellow cards per game on average (including second yellows) — 6.6;
Matches with red cards — 1 out of 10;
Matches with penalties awarded — 4 out of 10.
