Match Result: St. Gallen 2–1 Benfica
UEFA Europa League – July 24, 2026

In one of the early shock results of the UEFA Europa League group stage, Swiss side St. Gallen defeated Portuguese giants Benfica 2–1 at the Kybunpark. The home side produced a spirited performance, overturning an early deficit to claim a memorable victory in front of a packed stadium.

Match Overview

Benfica started the match as heavy favourites, and they looked the part when they took the lead in the 12th minute. A swift move down the left flank ended with a cross from David Neres being turned home by striker Petar Musa. However, St. Gallen refused to wilt and gradually grew into the contest. Their equaliser arrived just before half‑time when midfielder Jordi Quintillà fired a free‑kick into the top corner from 25 yards, leaving Benfica goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos with no chance.

The second half saw St. Gallen take control. Their relentless pressing forced errors in the Benfica defence, and in the 63rd minute, forward Willy Grønlund pounced on a loose ball in the box to slot home the winner. Benfica pushed for an equaliser but found the Swiss defence, marshalled by captain Lukas Görtler, in resolute form.

Key Moments

• 12' – Goal! Petar Musa (Benfica) – a simple tap‑in from close range after Neres’ cross.
• 44' – Goal! Jordi Quintillà (St. Gallen) – a stunning free‑kick that curled over the wall and dipped under the bar.
• 63' – Goal! Willy Grønlund (St. Gallen) – capitalised on a defensive mix‑up to score the winner.
• 85' – Missed chance – Benfica’s João Mário saw his header saved brilliantly by St. Gallen goalkeeper Lawrence Ati‑Zigi.

Tactical Story

St. Gallen coach Peter Zeidler deployed a high‑press 3‑5‑2 system that unsettled Benfica’s midfield. With two strikers pressing the Benfica centre‑backs, the visitors struggled to build from the back. Benfica’s 4‑2‑3‑1 relied heavily on creative players like Neres and João Mário, but they were often isolated by St. Gallen’s compact defensive shape.

What This Means

The result is a massive boost for St. Gallen, who now sit top of Group E after the first matchday. Benfica, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly after a defeat that exposes their vulnerability away from home in Europe. The Portuguese side will be desperate to claim maximum points in their next fixture to avoid an early pressure.