Without Vertonghen, Benfica takes a step towards the group stages of the Champions League by winning against kyiv

Without Jan Vertonghen, left on the bench by his coach, the Lisbonites controlled the debates from the start of the match, thanks to a goal from Gilberto (9th). Ramos doubled the bet before the break (37th) and the score did not change until the final whistle.

Maccabi Haifa won a thrilling encounter against Red Star Belgrade, 3-2. Pierrot’s (18th) opener for the Israelis saw a response from Pesic (27th) and Kanga (40th) for the visitors, but the second period turned to Maccabi’s advantage with Pierrot’s new goal ( 51st) and that of Chery (61st).

The first match of the evening saw the draw between the Azeris of Qarabag and the Czechs of Plzen, 0-0.

Everything remains to be played for these six clubs in the return leg, which will be played on Tuesday 23 August. The winners of each double confrontation will qualify for the group stage of the Champions League, while the others will be transferred to the Europa League.