San Siro opened its Europa League campaign with two former European heavyweights outside the Champions League, but Benfica left Milan with the stronger opening statement. The Portuguese side won 2-0 against Rúben Amorim’s Milan, taking their first three points of the league phase and handing the Rossoneri their first defeat of the season.
Benfica take control in Milan
Both clubs arrived in the competition after domestic campaigns in Italy and Portugal that had left them short of Champions League qualification. Their meeting in Lombardy brought together two teams regarded as serious contenders for the Europa League trophy, and Benfica set the early rhythm.
- Benfica controlled possession and territory from the outset, creating several threatening approaches without initially forcing Mike Maignan into a decisive save.
- In the 15th minute, former Sevilla winger Dodi Lukébakio broke the deadlock. Cutting in from the right, he drove a shot towards the base of the far post, beyond the reach of the French goalkeeper.
- Seven minutes later, Benfica nearly extended the advantage when Sudakov struck the post, while Anatoliy Trubin produced an important intervention to preserve his side’s clean sheet.
- Milan returned from the interval with their best spell of the night. Koni De Winter met a bouncing ball in a promising area in the 50th minute, but sent his effort well wide.
- The Italian push was halted by Benfica’s second goal. Kaminsky met a delivery from the left first time, striking it on the bounce and placing his finish where Maignan could not reach it.
- Milan attempted to restore themselves to the contest, but lacked penetration and struggled to create sustained danger against Trubin’s goal.
A difficult European start for Amorim’s side
Amorim kept Luka Modric among his substitutes throughout, with the midfielder not called upon as Milan searched unsuccessfully for a route back into the match.
Benfica’s measured display gave them a winning beginning to their Europa League league-phase campaign. For Milan, the night under the San Siro lights ended with a first loss of the campaign and an early reminder of the demands of a competition they had hoped to challenge for.
SEO title: Benfica win 2-0 at AC Milan in Europa League opener
SEO description: Benfica defeated AC Milan 2-0 at San Siro as Dodi Lukébakio and Kaminsky scored in the Portuguese club’s first Europa League league-phase match.
