Benfica Make a Statement at San Siro with Win Over Amorim’s Milan

Milan arrived in confident mood, with Ruben Amorim’s men unbeaten in four matches across all competitions. But they faced a formidable Benfica side that had lost only once in 12 competitive games this season, winning nine and drawing two.

Match highlight

The Eagles started on the front foot and were ahead around the 15-minute mark. Dodi Lukebakio collected the ball on the right, drove inside, and drilled a low effort into the far corner.

Benfica sensed an opportunity to take control. Georgiy Sudakov came agonisingly close to doubling the advantage when his low 25-yard strike struck both the post and crossbar.

Milan, meanwhile, struggled to establish themselves and went into the interval knowing a significant improvement was needed.

There was reason for the Rossoneri to believe they could respond: seven of their last 10 European matches had featured goals for both sides, while 10 of their previous 12 competitive goals had arrived after the 60th minute.

Amorim, a former Benfica player, turned to his bench at half-time and introduced Mario Gila and Christian Pulisic. Milan immediately carried more attacking threat, though Koni De Winter wasted a glorious chance by firing over from inside the area.

Benfica extinguished Milan’s growing momentum in emphatic fashion. Jakub Kamiński rose highest to head home Souffian El Karouani’s cross and double the visitors’ lead.

Milan pushed forward without hesitation, and Pulisic was denied at the near post by an outstanding save from Anatoliy Trubin.

In the end, Marco Silva’s side delivered a composed defensive performance, limiting the hosts to very few clear opportunities on a frustrating night for Milan.

The defeat marked Amorim’s first competitive loss of the season and only his second defeat against Benfica in seven managerial meetings. Silva, meanwhile, will hope this is a sign of what is to come as his side chase a first Europa League crown.