the pre-season began on 4 july 2005 with medical exams, followed by the first training session on the next day, with two thousand supporters present at the estádio da luz. on 6 july, benfica travelled to nyon for a pre-season tour until 14 july. during the eight days in switzerland, benfica defeated sion and étoile carouge. back in portugal, benfica faced two premier league opponents, losing to chelsea, and defeating west bromwich. afterwards, benfica played three portuguese teams, winning against barreirense and estoril praia, and drawing with vitória de guimarães. they ended their pre-season with a presentation match against juventus on 6 august, losing 2–0.