Hearts vs Benfica - Live Stream

View the live stream and TV coverage details and live score for the 2026/2027 UEFA Europa League 3rd Qualifying Round Match - Hearts vs Benfica.

Hearts face a near-impossible recovery mission when they host Benfica in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League third qualifying-round tie on Thursday, August 13. Six different players scored as the Portuguese giants recorded a crushing 6-1 first-leg victory in Lisbon, the heaviest European defeat in Hearts’ history, although the Edinburgh club responded by beating Dundee United 4-0 at the weekend. The return match kicks off at 8:45 p.m. Central European time (CEST), 7:45 p.m. local time in Scotland and 2:45 p.m. US Eastern time (EDT) at Tynecastle Park in Edinburgh.

How to Watch Hearts vs Benfica - UEFA Europa League 3rd Qualifying Round Match

Match background

Benfica established a five-goal aggregate advantage through goals from Rafa Silva, Tomás Araújo, Vangelis Pavlidis, Gianluca Prestianni, Jhon Durán and Andreas Schjelderup. Tom Renaud scored Hearts’ only goal in Lisbon.

The result represented a fourth defeat in five matches under new manager Wouter Vrancken, following Hearts’ 6-0 aggregate elimination by Sturm Graz in Champions League qualifying and a 2-1 domestic loss against Aberdeen.

However, the Jambos finally recorded their first victory of the campaign on Sunday, defeating Dundee United 4-0 at Tynecastle. The performance provided some encouragement, even if overturning a five-goal deficit against Benfica appears beyond them.

Marco Silva’s Benfica have scored 12 goals across three European matches this season. After losing 2-1 to St Gallen in the previous round’s opening leg, they responded with a 5-0 win in Lisbon before dismantling Hearts.

The Portuguese side were held to a 2-2 draw by Académico de Viseu in their opening league fixture but remain unbeaten in four matches across all competitions.

The aggregate winner will advance to the Europa League playoff round. Hearts are expected to transfer to the Conference League playoffs, where Rapid Vienna are the likely opponents. Sports Mole

Team news

Hearts remain without defenders Stephen Kingsley, Craig Halkett and Malachi Fagan-Walcott, while midfielder Eduardo Ageu is also unavailable.

Vrancken may rotate because of the size of Benfica’s advantage and Hearts’ upcoming domestic commitments. Cláudio Braga, who scored against Dundee United, could consequently be rested.

Winger Alexandros Kyziridis is unlikely to feature as he reportedly moves closer to joining a Turkish Super Lig club. His possible departure could create another opportunity for Josh McPake, who appeared as a substitute in Lisbon.

Benfica have travelled without Fredrik Aursnes. The Norwegian returned to training after recovering from gastroenteritis but was not made available for the match in Edinburgh.

With the tie effectively settled, Marco Silva is expected to make several changes. Vangelis Pavlidis, who has already scored six goals this season, could be rested.

Jhon Durán is in contention to make his first Benfica start after scoring as a substitute in the opening leg following his loan move from Al-Nassr.

Samuel Soares may replace the regular goalkeeper, while Alexander Bah, Samuel Dahl, Leandro Barreiro, Andreas Schjelderup and Dodi Lukebakio are among those pushing for starts.

Predicted lineups

• Hearts (4-4-2): Reus; Altena, McEntee, Findlay, Milne; Miller, Mendy, Spittal, Kerjota; Sabri Guendouz, Kaboré.
• Benfica (4-2-3-1): Samuel Soares; Bah, Tomás Araújo, Lenglet, Dahl; Leandro Barreiro, Barrenechea; Prestianni, Schjelderup, Lukebakio; Durán.

Official starting lineups are normally announced approximately one hour before kickoff.