Hearts face tough match against Benfica in Europa League opener
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 6, 2026, 9:40 AM
Last updated Aug 6, 2026
Hearts confront Benfica in the first leg of the Europa League third qualifying round on August 6, 2026. Andy Halliday expressed concerns, characterizing Benfica as a "Champions League outfit" and noting Hearts' current struggles. He highlighted Benfica's past performance, including reaching the Champions League play-off round last season. Halliday anticipates a challenging evening for Hearts and fears a potentially large scoreline. The outcome of the match will significantly impact both teams' prospects in the tournament.
- •Hearts play Benfica in Portugal on August 6, 2026
- •Halliday describes Benfica as a strong opponent
- •Benfica reached the Champions League play-offs last year
- •Hearts are not at full strength currently
- •Match outcome will influence future matches in the tournament
- 9:40 AMYahoo Sports — Halliday predicts 'difficult evening' for Hearts
"The Portuguese side host the Tynecastle club in Thursday's Europa League third qualifying round first leg. "They're a Champions League outfit," Halliday said of Benfica on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.
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