AC Milan loses 0-2 to Benfica in Europa League opener under Amorim

AC Milan suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Benfica in their Europa League league phase opener, Amorim's first loss since joining the club. Goals from Dodi Lukebakio and Jakub Kaminski secured Benfica's first-ever win over Milan, while Milan's recurring pattern of poor first-half performances drew criticism from home supporters and acknowledgment from coach Amorim.

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AC Milan lost 2-0 to Benfica in Europa League league phase opener
Dodi Lukebakio scored long-distance goal in 16th minute
Jakub Kaminski scored in 53rd minute
Home crowd booed Milan off the pitch
Milan failed to score in opening 45 minutes for fifth consecutive match under Amorim

AC Milan suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Benfica in their Europa League league phase opener on Wednesday at San Siro, marking coach Ruben Amorim's first loss since taking charge. Dodi Lukebakio scored in the 16th minute with a long-distance left-footed strike, and Jakub Kaminski added a second goal in the 53rd minute. The result ended Milan's four-game unbeaten run in Serie A, which included two wins and two draws.

Milan's performance drew criticism from home supporters, who booed the team off the pitch. Amorim acknowledged organizational deficiencies, telling reporters: "It's not just a lack of energy, it's a question of organization, the way we pass the ball around and our understanding the various moments of the game." He emphasized that Milan must maintain possession after conceding and avoid rushing forward without tactical discipline. Amorim stated he remains concerned about performance patterns even in matches the team wins.

A notable trend has emerged in Milan's first five matches under Amorim: the team has failed to score in the opening 45 minutes in all five games. According to reports, Milan has scored six of seven goals between the 64th and 69th minute, a pattern suggesting second-half adjustments rather than cohesive first-half preparation. Winger Alexis Saelemaekers acknowledged the issue, stating Milan must work harder to avoid repeating such mistakes, noting that other teams are studying Milan's approach during first halves without Milan capitalizing on their own opportunities.

Benfica, who lost to Milan in the 1963 and 1990 European Cup finals, secured their first-ever victory against the Italian club. The Portuguese side maintained their unbeaten record this season with the win. Before the match, Amorim had stated Milan's objective was "obviously to win" the Europa League, noting that at a club of Milan's stature there is no acceptable minimum objective. He added he did not know if he would have sufficient time to implement his tactical vision at the club.

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#soccer #AC Milan #2-0 defeat #Europa League #football #Benfica #Ruben Amorim

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Why This Matters

AC Milan's opening loss signals tactical instability under new coach Ruben Amorim and marks a measurable shift in Europa League performance expectations. The result extends Milan's pattern of first-half inefficiency (zero goals in opening 45 minutes across five consecutive matches), affecting the club's competitive standing in the league phase format. Milan's self-stated objective is to win the competition; Amorim has publicly acknowledged uncertainty about timeline for implementing his tactical system, creating measurable personnel and strategic risk for the club's autumn campaign.

Timeline & Sources

Sep 16, 2026

Wire

Pre-match: Amorim states Milan's objective is to win the Europa League

Sep 16, 2026

Wire

AC Milan vs Benfica Europa League match begins at San Siro

Sep 16, 2026

Wire

Match ends 2-0 to Benfica; home crowd boos AC Milan

Sep 17, 2026

Wire

Amorim holds post-match press conference acknowledging organizational issues

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