Champions League: possible opponents in the 3rd qualifying round

The season is over! It's time to focus on 2020/21, which, due to COVID-19, has unusual dates. Qualified for the Champions League, Benfica goes into the 3^rd qualifying round as a seeded team. Know the path and possible opponents to the group stage of the Champions League. 

Usually, in September, the Champions League group stage is already underway, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced a new calendar. So, in September the 3^rd qualifying round of the Champions League will be played, on September 15 and 16, in a single, whose stadium is defined in the draw, and the play-off, on September 22 and 30, will be played in two legs.

3^rd QUALIFYING ROUND

* Still have to play the 2nd qualifying round

The qualifying round are divided into the Champions Path and the League Path, the group where Benfica is inserted. In the 3rd qualifying round, as a seeded team, Benfica already knows it will not lock horns with Dynamo Kiev (Ukraine ) and Gent (Belgium), nor Besiktas, is case the Turks overcome the 2nd qualifying round. 

IMPORTANT DATES

• August 31: 3^rd qualifying round draw

• September 1: play-off draw

• September 15 and 16: matches of the 3^rd qualifying round

• September 22 and 30: play-off matches

• October 1: group stage draw

• October 20 and 21: matchday 1 of the group stage

It should be mentioned that, reaching the group stage, Benfica will be inserted in pot 3 where FC Porto, Leipzig and Lazio are already present. 

Text: Marco Rebelo

Photos: UEFA and Archive / SL Benfica