The draw for the league phase of the UEFA Europa League and Conference League competitions has taken place in Monaco, with Portugal’s representatives Benfica, Torreense and Braga learning their opponents.
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Benfica’s eight opponents in the league phase of the UEFA Europa League 2026/27
Home matches: AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands), Celtic (Scotland), Lech Poznan (Poland) and OFI Crete (Greece)
Away matches: AC Milan (Italy), Viktoria Plzen (Czechia), Omonia (Cyprus) and NEC Nijmegen (Netherlands).
The standout tie for the Eagles is undoubtedly the trip to AC Milan, now coached by Ruben Amorim, a matchup that would normally be a Champions League encounter. The game will be played in Italy and will also see former Benfica striker Gonçalo Ramos face his former club.
Torreense’s eight opponents in the league phase of the UEFA Europa League 2026/27
Home matches: Olympiacos (Greece), Celtic (Scotland), Sunderland (England) and Ararat (Armenia)
Away matches: Real Sociedad (Spain), Ferencvaros (Hungary), Lech Poznan (Poland) and Lillestrom (Norway).
Torreense were give a special mention at the draw, having made it into Europe despite being a second-division team thanks to their shock Portuguese Cup victory over Sporting in the final at Jamor in May.
They will play their “home” matches in Leiria, 100 km north of their Torres Vedras home, as their stadium does not meet requirements to host UEFA matches.
Braga’s six opponents in the league phase of the UEFA Conference League 2026/27
Home matches: Gent (Belgium), KuPS (Finland), Egnatia (Albania)
Away matches: Copenhagen (Denmark), Brann (Norway), Aarhus (Denmark)
After reaching the semi-finals of the Europa League last season, the Warriors will be hopeful of another deep run in Europe this time round, especially after what appears a favourable draw.
Curiously, all of Braga’s away trips are against Nordic opponents, with two trips to Denmark and one to Norway.
Schedule announced tomorrow
The complete match schedule for this season’s Europa League and Conference League, in addition to the Champions League for which the draw took place yesterday, will be announced over the weekend.
