Benfica travel to San Siro having failed to defeat AC Milan in six previous competitive encounters, including two European Cup final losses. Now, both European heavyweights return to UEFA's second-tier competition, eager to open their league-phase campaign with a victory.
It's Europa League action on Wednesday, September 16, as Ruben Amorim's undefeated Rossoneri host a flying Benfica side arriving on a seven-match winning streak. Former Benfica player Amorim will be aiming to maintain Milan's historic dominance over the Portuguese outfit.
Team Form
AC Milan: Undefeated in Serie A this season following two wins and two consecutive draws.
Benfica: Won seven straight matches across all competitions, scoring 12 goals in their last four domestic games.
Key Stats & Head-to-Head
Benfica have never beaten AC Milan in six competitive meetings, including European Cup finals in 1963 and 1990.
AC Milan are returning to European competition for the first time since their 2024-25 Champions League playoff exit.
Benfica smashed 18 goals across six Europa League qualifying matches against St. Gallen, Hearts, and AGF.
Vangelis Pavlidis has been in lethal form, netting six European qualifying goals alongside eight league strikes.
Milan manager Ruben Amorim spent nine years as a player at Benfica before taking charge of Sporting and Manchester United.
What to Expect From Both Teams
AC Milan | Form: WWDD
Ruben Amorim's side enters this continental clash undefeated, aiming to convert their solid domestic form into an opening European victory.
Set up in a 3-4-2-1 system featuring veteran Luka Modric and former Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos, the hosts carry dangerous attacking options.
After throwing away a lead against Juventus and battling back against Lazio, tightening their defensive structure at San Siro remains essential.
Benfica | Form: WWWWWW
Marco Silva's team travels to Italy boasting incredible momentum after stringing together seven consecutive wins in all competitions.
Led by prolific Greek striker Vangelis Pavlidis, the Eagles have averaged three goals per match during their recent four-game league streak.
With a crucial domestic derby against Porto looming next, securing a historic first win over Milan would provide a massive confidence boost.
Predicted Lineups
AC Milan (possible):
Maignan, De Winter, Gabbia, Pavlovic, Chukwueze, Modric, Musah, Moreira, Pulisic, Cisse, Ramos.
Benfica (possible):
Soares, Aursnes, Araujo, Lenglet, Dahl, Palhinha, Barreiro, Silva, Prestianni, Schjelderup, Pavlidis.
Matchups & Players to Watch
Luka Modric: The 41-year-old playmaker brings 156 European appearances of experience into his first non-Champions League continental game since 2011.
Goncalo Ramos: The former Benfica forward will be eager to make a decisive impact against his former club from Milan's frontline.
Vangelis Pavlidis: The Greek international arrives in blistering form, having scored six times in qualifying along with eight domestic goals.
Ruben Amorim: The Rossoneri boss faces the club where he spent nine years as a player, looking to extend his strong managerial record against them.
Odds Market on MSport
AC Milan/Home to win = 2.12
Benfica/Away to win = 3.45
Both teams to score (GG/NG Yes) = 1.63
Over 2.5 total goals = 1.72
This fixture offers a fascinating clash of momentum: an undefeated, resilient Milan side hosts a Benfica team brimming with goalscoring confidence.
With both teams determined to make an immediate statement in the league phase, San Siro is set for an entertaining European night.