Benfica makes history in Milan with opening Europa League win
Sport Lisboa e Benfica opened their 2026/27 Europa League campaign with a landmark result, defeating AC Milan 2-0 at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on Wednesday. The victory marks the first time the Lisbon club has beaten the Italian side in seven competitive meetings between the two teams.
Dodi Lukébakio and Jakub Kamiński scored the goals that secured three points on matchday one of the new league phase format. Around 5,000 Benfica supporters travelled to Milan for the fixture, according to figures cited by the club's head coach, Marco Silva.
'Historical' result in San Siro
Portuguese sports newspapers led their Thursday editions with the triumph. A Bola ran the headline "Águia de luxo" — luxury Eagle — while Record and O Jogo both described the performance as an "Ópera em Milão", playing on the city's cultural heritage.
The Italian and European press similarly highlighted the significance of the result. Reports noted Benfica's clinical finishing proved decisive despite AC Milan generating a higher expected goals tally. Statistics from the match showed the home side recorded an xG of 0.96 compared to Benfica's 0.64. AC Milan's Sudakov struck the post during the match.
AC Milan struggles under new leadership
The defeat adds pressure on AC Milan’s coaching staff, who are navigating a period of transition following a summer rebuild. The Italian outfit struggled to find rhythm after conceding the opening goal, with defensive cohesion and forward movement identified as key areas for improvement in post-match analysis. Benfica, in contrast, maintained tactical discipline throughout, capitalising on key moments.
Both teams rotated squads ahead of upcoming domestic fixtures, with Benfica’s management balancing European ambitions with league priorities.
What this means for Benfica
Benfica's head coach, Marco Silva, emphasised the tactical discipline his side displayed on a difficult ground. For supporters in Portugal, the result offers early confidence that the squad can compete strongly in European competition this season, regardless of playing away from the Estádio da Luz.
Lukébakio, one of the goalscorers, expressed satisfaction at contributing to what he described as a historic victory for the club. The Belgian forward has settled quickly since joining, and his partnership with Polish international Kamiński gives Benfica attacking options that proved effective against Serie A opposition.
The win places Benfica in a strong early position in the Europa League league phase table, though the expanded format means plenty of fixtures remain before knockout qualification is decided.
Looking ahead to the clásico
Benfica now turn their attention to domestic matters, with goalkeeper coach and management staff managing player recovery before Sunday's fixture. Pedro Rui Borges, whose post-match comments focused on motivational recovery following a recent draw, faces a selection puzzle.
The match secured three away points in Group H — or the equivalent league phase standing — and sends Benfica into their next continental fixture with momentum established on Italian soil.
