Benfica made history at the San Siro with an impressive 2-0 victory over AC Milan in the UEFA Europa League, recording their first-ever head-to-head win against the Italian giants on their seventh attempt.
Goals from Dodi Lukébakio and Jakub Kamiński delivered a memorable European night for the Portuguese side, while Milan suffered their first competitive defeat of the season under Ruben Amorim.
Lukébakio Fires Benfica Ahead
AC Milan entered the contest unbeaten in their previous four matches across all competitions. Still, Benfica quickly demonstrated why they had lost only once in their opening 12 competitive fixtures of the campaign.
The visitors struck around the quarter-hour mark through Lukébakio. Collecting possession on the right, the winger drove inside before producing a superb curling finish into the bottom corner.
Benfica almost doubled their advantage when Heorhiy Sudakov unleashed a low effort from around 25 yards, only to see the woodwork come to Milan’s rescue.
The Rossoneri struggled to create clear opportunities before half-time, leaving Amorim with plenty to address during the interval.
Milan Changes Fail to Spark Comeback
Amorim responded by introducing Mario Gila and Christian Pulisic before the restart, and Milan immediately looked more dangerous.
Koni De Winter wasted a promising opportunity by firing over from inside the penalty area, but Benfica remained organized and refused to allow the hosts to establish sustained pressure.
Milan’s failure to capitalize proved costly.
Kamiński Seals Historic Benfica Victory
Benfica delivered the decisive blow when Souffian El Karouani supplied an inviting cross that Kamiński emphatically powered into the roof of the net.
At 2-0, Milan were forced to throw players forward.
Pulisic tested goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin at the near post, but the Benfica shot-stopper responded with a strong save. The Eagles continued to defend effectively, limiting Milan largely to half-chances as the clock ran down.
The final whistle confirmed a landmark result: Benfica’s first victory over AC Milan in seven meetings, ending a previous H2H record of two draws and four defeats.
What the Result Means
For Milan, the defeat ends their encouraging unbeaten run and gives Amorim plenty to consider as the Rossoneri continue their Europa League campaign.
Benfica, meanwhile, leave one of European football’s most famous stadiums with three valuable points and another strong result in their impressive start to the season. Their disciplined defense, combined with clinical finishing, made the difference on the night.
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Conclusion
AC Milan 0-2 Benfica was a statement performance from the Portuguese side. Lukébakio provided the early breakthrough, KamiÅ„ski supplied the decisive second, and Benfica’s defense ensured Milan never found a route back into the contest.
For the Rossoneri, it was a frustrating European evening. For Benfica, it was history made at the San Siro.
