DEFEAT IN EUROPA LEAGUE OPENER
Europa League
AC Milan’s 2026/27 UEFA Europa League campaign got off to a difficult start with defeat on Matchday 1 of the League Phase. Benfica left San Siro with a 2-0 win, with Lukébakio (16’) and Kamiński (53’) getting on the scoresheet. The Rossoneri produced some good football and created chances, but they also gave Benfica opportunities and were punished at pivotal moments. Desire and a spirited response were not enough against a Benfica side in excellent form. Sitting second in its domestic league, two points behind the leaders and still unbeaten, the Portuguese club displayed technical quality, pace and attacking threat at San Siro. It was a disappointing European opener for Rúben Amorim’s side on a night where The Madhappy Foundation appeared on the back of the Rossoneri jersey for the first time.
For the second game in a row, AC Milan fell 2-0 behind. Unlike in Rome, however, there was no comeback and no goal. The team remains a work in progress and now needs to correct the problems that have emerged without losing unity or energy. AC Milan is still looking for a first win in September, although the performances have offered some encouraging signs, and the group must keep pushing and improving. The result leaves AC Milan on zero points in the standings, with the next European match away to Salzburg on Thursday, October 15 at 6:45pm CEST. Attention now turns to the next fixture at home to Lecce in Serie A on Sunday, September 20 at 8:45pm CEST.
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM AC MILAN vs. BENFICA
MATCH REPORT
It was intense opening, but neither side was able to take control before Benfica made the breakthrough through Lukébakio. Having already tested Maignan with a tame effort at the end of a counterattack, he opened the scoring by carrying the ball across the edge of the box and finding the bottom corner with his left foot (16’). The visitors then went close again when Sudakov pounced on a loose ball and struck the post with a dangerous low drive (24’). AC Milan tried to respond, with Terracciano unleashing a long-range effort that Trubin palmed away (27’). On the half-hour mark, Kamiński had space to drive into but could not make the most of it under pressure from Chukwueze. Jashari turned and shot narrowly over the bar (41’), while Hutchinson tried his luck without success (44’). In stoppage time, Cisse saw his right-footed shot gathered by the goalkeeper. Benfica led 1-0 at halftime.
AC Milan came out with greater intensity after the break. De Winter was presented with a golden opportunity after a favorable ricochet, but he missed the target from close range (50’). The Rossoneri appeared to be building momentum, only for Benfica to strike again through Kamiński, who fired home from an El Karouani cross (53’). As AC Milan searched for a response, Pulisic posed the greatest threat. He received the ball from Saelemaekers and tested Trubin (62’) before unleashing another powerful effort that forced the goalkeeper into action (81’). In between, Moreira powered a shot over the bar. At the other end, Maignan gathered Lukébakio’s attempt (84’). AC Milan struggled to create much in the closing stages, with Ramos, Gila and Pavlović all lacking the accuracy or luck needed to find a way through. It finished AC Milan 0-2 Benfica.
MATCH DETAILS
AC MILAN 0-2 BENFICA
AC MILAN (3-4-2-1): Maignan; Terracciano (46' Gila), De Winter, Pavlović; Chukwueze, Musah, Jashari (73' Rabiot), Bartesaghi (57' Moreira); Hutchinson (46' Pulisic), Cisse (57' Saelemaekers ); Ramos. Subs: Torriani; Estupiñan, Gabbia, Tomori; Comotto, Loftus-Cheek, Modrić; Camarda. Coach: Amorim.
BENFICA (4-2-3-1): Trubin; Banjaqui, Circati, Araújo, El Karouani (88' Dahl); Aursnes (70' Barreiro), Palhinha; Kamiński (80' Schjelderup), Sudakov (70' Prestianni), Lukébakio; Durán (80' Pavlidis). Subs: Soares; Lenglet; Barrenechea, Echeverri, Man. Silva; Cabral, R. Silva. Coach: Mar. Silva.
Referee: Jarred Gillett (AUS).
Goals: 16' Lukébakio (B), 53' Kamiński (B).
Booked: 11' Pavlović (M), 26' El Karouani (B), 37' Durán (B), 77' Banjaqui (B), 84' Barreiro (B), 92' Pavlidis (B).
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