Jakub Kamiński's Benfica debut ends in Europa League loss

Jakub Kamiński's first official outing for Benfica ended in disappointment as the Portuguese club were beaten 2-1 by Sankt Gallen in the second round of Europa League qualifying. The Poland international started in Switzerland and played 66 minutes before being replaced, with Benfica now facing work to do in the return leg.

First official appearance after summer move

Kamiński arrived in Portugal after an impressive season with FC Koeln and joined Benfica in a deal reported at 17 million euros. His debut in a competitive fixture came on Thursday, when Benfica opened their European campaign away to Swiss opposition.

The winger was named in the starting line-up for the trip to Sankt Gallen, a clear sign of the trust placed in him early in his Benfica career. But the evening proved difficult for both player and club as Benfica fell behind in the first half before briefly restoring parity.

Benfica beaten in Switzerland

Sankt Gallen struck first through Aliou Balde after 37 minutes, putting the home side in front. Benfica responded quickly, with Rafa Silva equalising seven minutes later to bring the visitors level before the break.

After half-time, however, it was the Swiss side who found the decisive moment. Tom Gaal beat Anatolii Trubin to restore Sankt Gallen's lead and hand the hosts a narrow advantage ahead of the second leg. By the time that goal arrived, Kamiński had already left the pitch.

A challenging night for Kamiński

Kamiński was substituted in the 66th minute, with Tiago Gouveia taking his place. According to Flashscore's post-match assessment, it was not a particularly effective display from the Polish winger.

• He won two of his nine duels.
• He had one unsuccessful dribble attempt.
• He misplaced two passes into the penalty area and one cross.
• He committed two fouls.
• He also made two successful ball recoveries.

Those numbers underline a debut in which Kamiński struggled to impose himself consistently in the final third, even if he did contribute defensively at times.

Return leg to come quickly

Benfica will have the chance to respond in the return match, scheduled for 30 July at 21:00. The result in Switzerland leaves the Portuguese side needing an improved performance if they are to turn the tie around and avoid an early setback in Europe.

For Kamiński, the match offered a first real taste of competitive football with his new club. It may not have been the start he wanted, but with the league season in Portugal due to begin in the second weekend, there will soon be another opportunity to settle into his new surroundings.