Home Football UEFA Europa LeagueBenfica Qualify for Europa League Playoffs After Beating Hearts 7-2

Benfica Qualify for Europa League Playoffs After Beating Hearts 7-2

Aug 14, 2026 02:00 PM GMT+00:00

SportsLigue

Football

Benfica Qualify for Europa League Playoffs After Beating Hearts 7-2

Benfica secured their place in the UEFA Europa League playoff round after drawing 1-1 with Hearts at Tynecastle Stadium and completing a 7-2 aggregate victory.

Benfica booked their place in the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League playoff round after holding Hearts to a 1-1 draw in the second leg of their third qualifying-round tie on Thursday, August 13.

The Portuguese side had already taken a commanding advantage from the first leg in Lisbon, where they defeated Hearts 6-1. That five-goal cushion meant Benfica could approach the return fixture with qualification firmly in their hands.

Hearts needed a remarkable comeback at Tynecastle, but Benfica ultimately did enough to secure a 7-2 aggregate victory and progress to the next stage of Europa League qualifying.

The result ends Hearts' hopes of reaching the Europa League league phase, although the Scottish club will continue their European campaign in the UEFA Conference League playoff round.

Benfica take control with huge first-leg win

The tie was effectively shaped by the opening match in Lisbon.

Benfica produced a dominant display to beat Hearts 6-1, leaving the Scottish side needing to overturn a five-goal deficit in the second leg.

That result gave Benfica a significant advantage heading into the trip to Edinburgh. Hearts, meanwhile, had to attack from the outset while hoping for an early goal that could spark an unlikely comeback.

However, Benfica's defensive organisation prevented the hosts from making the breakthrough during the opening 45 minutes.

Hearts and Benfica goalless at half-time

The second leg started with Hearts showing plenty of determination, but clear-cut chances were limited.

Jhon Durán had an early opportunity for Benfica but fired wide in the 12th minute. The visitors also threatened from a corner after Stuart Findlay conceded a set piece in the 20th minute.

Hearts attempted to create opportunities through set pieces and long throws, while Benfica were comfortable protecting their aggregate advantage.

Dodi Lukébakio was later flagged offside in the 35th minute as Benfica continued to look dangerous when they moved forward.

Neither side managed to score before the break, leaving Hearts with an even greater mountain to climb after the interval.

VAR denies Hearts opening goal

Hearts appeared to have found the breakthrough shortly after half-time when they put the ball in the net.

However, their celebrations were cut short when VAR ruled out the goal for a foul during the build-up.

The decision was another setback for the Scottish side, who knew they needed to score repeatedly to have any chance of overturning Benfica's advantage.

Both teams made changes as the second half progressed, with Benfica introducing fresh players to maintain control and Hearts searching for an attacking spark.

Magnússon gives Hearts late lead

Hearts eventually got their reward in the 76th minute.

Tómas Bent Magnússon found the breakthrough to give Hearts a 1-0 lead on the night and ignite the atmosphere inside Tynecastle.

For a brief moment, the home supporters had something to celebrate.

But Benfica responded almost immediately.

Just one minute after Hearts took the lead, Dodi Lukébakio equalised, restoring Benfica's advantage on the night and effectively ending any remaining hopes of a dramatic comeback.

With the aggregate score now 7-2 in Benfica's favour, the visitors comfortably managed the closing stages.

Benfica qualify for Europa League playoffs

The final whistle confirmed a 1-1 draw in Edinburgh and a 7-2 aggregate victory for Benfica.

The Portuguese club now advance to the Europa League playoff round, where they will face AGF Aarhus.

Benfica's two-leg victory means they are one round away from securing a place in the Europa League league phase.

For Hearts, the European journey continues, but their route now shifts to the Conference League playoff stage. They will face Rapid Vienna as they look to secure a place in the league phase of UEFA's third-tier competition.

What the result means for Benfica

Benfica's qualification represents another step towards reaching the Europa League league phase.

Their commanding first-leg performance proved decisive, allowing them to withstand Hearts' attempts to respond in Scotland.

The Portuguese side will now turn their attention to AGF Aarhus, knowing another successful two-legged tie would take them into the main stage of the competition.

Hearts move into Conference League

Although Hearts were unable to overturn the 6-1 first-leg defeat, their 1-1 draw at Tynecastle prevented Benfica from completing another victory in the tie.

The Scottish side now have an opportunity to continue their European campaign in the Conference League.

Their upcoming playoff against Rapid Vienna will provide another route into European competition's league phase, although Hearts will need to recover quickly from the disappointment of their Europa League elimination.