{"id":17869,"date":"2026-07-24T09:19:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-24T06:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/news\/?p=17869"},"modified":"2026-07-24T10:24:32","modified_gmt":"2026-07-24T07:24:32","slug":"st-gallen-shock-benfica-2-1-in-europa-league-qualifier","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/news\/sports-betting-news\/st-gallen-shock-benfica-2-1-in-europa-league-qualifier\/","title":{"rendered":"St. Gallen Shock Benfica 2-1 in Europa League Qualifier"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Swiss outfit St. Gallen<\/strong> produced one of the biggest surprises of the UEFA Europa League qualifying round after defeating Portuguese giants Benfica 2-1<\/strong> in an entertaining encounter. Despite Benfica’s superior experience and quality on paper, the home side showed remarkable determination and tactical discipline to earn a memorable victory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The result leaves the qualification battle wide open and proves once again that European football can always deliver unexpected drama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fast Start Ends with St. Gallen Taking the Lead<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The opening stages were evenly contested, with both teams looking to control possession and create early opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Gallen was aggressive in midfield, although captain Lukas G\u00f6rtler<\/strong> received a yellow card in the 30th minute for a late challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seven minutes later, the Swiss side made their pressure count.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Albian Balde<\/strong> finished off a brilliant move in the 37th minute after a perfectly weighted assist from G\u00f6rtler. The stadium erupted as the hosts deservedly took a 1-0 lead<\/strong>, catching Benfica’s defense off guard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo courtesy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Benfica Respond Before Half-Time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Benfica refused to panic after conceding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Portuguese side increased the tempo and pushed more players forward in search of an equalizer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their persistence paid off just before the break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the 44th minute<\/strong>, experienced attacker Rafa Silva<\/strong> calmly finished after an excellent pass from striker Vangelis Pavlidis<\/strong>, bringing Benfica level at 1-1<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The equalizer shifted the momentum and ensured both teams headed into half-time with everything still to play for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second Half Becomes a Tactical Battle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The second half was far more physical as both sides fought hard for control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yellow cards were shown to Jovan Stani\u0107<\/strong> and later Vangelis Pavlidis<\/strong>, highlighting the intensity of the contest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both coaches made several substitutions to inject fresh energy into their teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benfica introduced Tiago Gouveia<\/strong> and Enzo Barrenechea<\/strong>, while St. Gallen responded with attacking changes including Christian Besio<\/strong>, Leon Frokaj<\/strong>, and Alessandro Hunziker<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tactical adjustments made the match increasingly open, with chances appearing at both ends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo courtesy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Gaal Scores the Winning Goal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just as Benfica looked capable of taking control, St. Gallen struck again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the 80th minute<\/strong>, Tobias Gaal<\/strong> met a clever assist from Luca Daschner<\/strong> and calmly beat the Benfica goalkeeper to restore the hosts’ lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The goal sparked wild celebrations among the home supporters as Benfica suddenly found themselves chasing the game once again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Portuguese side pushed everyone forward during the closing minutes, but St. Gallen defended brilliantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even with late substitutions and sustained pressure, Benfica could not find another equalizer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Gallen Show Defensive Character<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The final minutes tested St. Gallen’s resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The hosts remained organized despite Benfica’s attacking pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gaal later received a yellow card deep into stoppage time as St. Gallen fought to protect their advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every tackle, clearance and interception drew loud cheers from the home crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the final whistle sounded, the Swiss club celebrated a famous 2-1 victory<\/strong> over one of Portugal’s biggest football institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo courtesy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Key Match Moments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n