The Milan squad suffered a 0-2 defeat against Benfica in their Europa League debut on September 16, 2026, with goals from Lukebakio and Kaminski, marking a disappointing start to their European campaign under manager Ruben Amorim.
Key Moments and Tactical Missteps
The match began with Milan’s defensive vulnerabilities on full display. Benfica’s Lukebakio opened the scoring in the 16th minute, capitalizing on a soft defensive approach by the Milan backline. A left-sided run saw Lukebakio cut inside and unleash a powerful left-footed strike into the top corner, a goal that underscored Milan’s inability to contain the Portuguese side’s attacking threats. Corriere della Sera noted that Milan’s defensive amnesia allowed Benfica to dominate the first half, with the hosts struggling to impose their style of play. The article also highlighted the historical context, as former Milan legend José Altafini and Benfica president Manuel Rui Costa were honored before the match, a nod to the rivalry dating back to the 1963 and 1990 European Cup finals.
The second goal came in the 53rd minute, when Kaminski capitalized on a defensive lapse. A cross from El Karouani found the unmarked Kaminski, who calmly slotted the ball past Maignan. Sport.quotidiano.net highlighted the colossal defensive disattention that allowed the Benfica forward to score with ease, a moment that sealed Milan’s fate.
Despite Amorim’s halftime substitutions—introducing Pulisic, Moreira, and Rabiot—the visitors failed to generate meaningful chances. Milan’s attempts to counter were hampered by a lack of creativity and cohesion. The lineup included Terracciano, Bartesaghi, and Hutchinson, all of whom were criticized for their performances.
Player Performances and Manager’s Decisions
Amorim’s decision to start a largely untested XI, including Terracciano and Bartesaghi, drew sharp criticism. The article also noted that Ramos was servito poco e male
(served poorly and badly) but failed to make an impact.
The defensive issues were further exacerbated by individual errors. Bartesaghi’s poor positioning and De Winter’s missed chance in the 50th minute epitomized the team’s frustration.
Implications for the Season
The defeat leaves Milan in a precarious position as they face challenging fixtures against Salisburgo and Bournemouth. Corriere della Sera emphasized that the Diavolo is already at a crossroads, with the need to quickly regroup and find solutions to avoid falling behind in the group. Amorim’s comments after the match—If I must fail, I prefer to fail spectacularly—underscored the pressure on the manager to adapt. The article also noted that the team’s “sperimentale” (experimental) nature could cost them crucial points in the group stage.
The result also raises questions about Milan’s European ambition. With a history of success in European competitions, including two European Cup wins in 1963 and 1990, the team’s performance against Benfica has sparked concerns about their readiness. Sport.quotidiano.net noted that the gap between Milan and the top European teams remains significant, a challenge that Amorim must address in the coming weeks.
As the season progresses, the focus will shift to how Milan responds to this setback. With a new manager and a squad still finding its rhythm, the coming matches will be crucial in determining whether this campaign can be salvaged. For now, the 0-2 defeat serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead.