AC Milan vs Benfica Highlights & Replay

The lights of the San Siro shone brightly on September 16, 2026, as two European giants, AC Milan and Benfica, kicked off their UEFA Europa League campaign. Fans expected a tactical battle, and the atmosphere in the stadium reflected the high stakes of this group stage encounter.

Clinical Benfica Seize the Initiative

The match began with high physical intensity, leading to an early yellow card for Strahinja Pavlovic in the 11th minute. However, it was Benfica who found their attacking rhythm first. In the 16th minute, a well-structured move saw Jakub Kaminski provide the assist for Dodi Lukebakio, who made no mistake in finding the back of the net to open the scoring. AC Milan attempted to respond, but frustration began to grow, evidenced by a yellow card for Jhon Duran before the break, as the visitors maintained their defensive organization.

Second Half Surge and Italian Struggles

Hoping to turn the tide, the AC Milan manager made significant changes at halftime, introducing Christian Pulisic and Mario Gila. Despite the fresh energy, it was the Portuguese side that struck again. In the 54th minute, Souffian El Karouani delivered a perfect pass for Jakub Kaminski, who turned from provider to scorer by finishing with class to make it 0-2. This second goal forced the Italians into a desperate push, but even the introduction of Alexis Saelemaekers and Adrien Rabiot could not break through the Eagles' defensive block.

Defensive Discipline Seals the Result

The final stages of the match were defined by Benfica's intelligent game management and a series of yellow cards used to halt Milanese attacks. Daniel Banjaqui, Leandro Barreiro, and Vangelis Pavlidis were all cautioned by the referee as the clock ticked down. Even with late substitutions to freshen up the squad, Benfica remained resolute. When the final whistle blew after five minutes of stoppage time, the celebrations belonged to the visitors, confirming a dream start to their European journey on Italian soil.