Finishing third in the league, Benfica advanced to the third qualifying round of the Champions League. This means that Luz’s team will have to go through two rounds to reach the group stage of the Millionaire Contest, similar to what they did last season.
And with most of the European championships already decided, the path the Eagles will have to take is beginning to be determined. For now, Benfica know they will enter the draw as a seed and have two opponents who could get lucky: Sturm Graz (Austria) and Union St. Louis. Giloise (Belgium).
According to the current situation, the Reds will avoid Dynamo Kyiv (who will play in the second qualifying round) and Rangers (who can go straight to the group stage if they win the Europa League). But a reunion between Roger Schmidt and PSV could take place.
The emblem of Eindhoven finished second in the Dutch Championship and also advances to the third qualifying round. However, the status of the Dutch top seed depends on the third place in the French championship (this can be Marseille, which is now in position, or Monaco, which is ahead), the position of Rangers or second-placed Denmark (at the time when Copenhagen is followed by Central Jutland).
See the table with the current situation:
Series heads:
Benfica (odds 61,000)
Rangers (49.250)
Dynamo Kyiv (44000) – or Winner of the second qualifying round match to be played by Ukrainians
Define:
PSV Eindhoven (33000)
Marseille (44,000) / Monaco (26,000) – third in Ligue 1
Midtjylland (19,000) / Copenhagen (40,500) – Winner of second qualifying round with Danish runner-up
No serial heads:
Storm Graz (7770)
Union St. Gilloise (6.120).
