Benfica’s latest triumph has earned them a direct ticket to the Champions League group stage for the first time. This comes after they clinched their fourth consecutive title, beating FC Porto on Sunday. The team’s hard work has paid off, as they’re now one of 29 teams to bypass the qualification rounds.
In previous years, Benfica had to navigate the qualifying rounds, but this time they’ll join the likes of other top teams in the 10th edition of the Champions League, set to kick off on October 9. The FC Porto, on the other hand, will have to fight for a spot in the group stage through the qualification rounds. They’ve been competing in the FIBA Europe Cup for the past three seasons.
The qualification rounds will feature 24 teams, divided into three tournaments, taking place between September 23 and 28. The winners of each tournament will then join the 29 teams that already have a spot in the group stage. This is a significant opportunity for FC Porto to prove themselves and potentially secure a spot alongside Benfica in the Champions League.
The Road to the Group Stage
The qualification process is intense, with teams facing off in a series of matches to determine which ones will make it to the group stage. The winners of each tournament will be decided by their performance in these matches, and they’ll then join the 29 teams that have already secured their spots.
- 29 teams have direct access to the group stage, including Benfica
- 24 teams will compete in the qualification rounds, including FC Porto
- 3 tournaments will take place between September 23 and 28
- The winners of each tournament will join the group stage
This is a crucial moment for both Benfica and FC Porto, as they look to make their mark on the Champions League. With Benfica already securing their spot, the focus now shifts to FC Porto’s journey through the qualification rounds. Will they be able to overcome the competition and join Benfica in the group stage? Only time will tell.