AC Milan and Benfica begin their Europa League campaigns with one of the biggest matches of the opening round. Both teams arrive unbeaten this season, but Benfica bring the stronger form to San Siro after winning seven consecutive matches across all competitions.

Milan have scored in every match under Rúben Amorim, while Benfica have been among Europe’s most productive teams during the opening weeks of the season.

AC Milan remain unbeaten under Amorim

Milan have collected two wins and two draws from their opening four Serie A matches.

They started with victories over Torino and Venezia before drawing 1–1 against Juventus. Their most recent match ended 2–2 against Lazio, with Milan coming from behind twice to earn a point.

Diego Moreira scored both goals against Lazio, while Christian Pulisic returned from injury and provided an assist. Pulisic now gives Amorim another option behind former Benfica striker Gonçalo Ramos.

Milan have scored in all four league matches, but Venezia are the only opponent they have kept out. Torino, Juventus and Lazio all managed to score against Amorim’s back three.

Benfica arrive with seven straight wins

Benfica had to qualify for the league phase but recovered from an early scare before eliminating Hearts and AGF Aarhus.

Marco Silva’s side have now won seven consecutive matches across all competitions. They have scored 12 goals across their last four league games, including a 3–0 win over Marítimo, a 4–0 victory against Moreirense and a 3–1 win over Gil Vicente.

Vangelis Pavlidis has been central to that run. The striker scored six times during Europa League qualifying and has already reached eight league goals this season.

Benfica also have plenty of quality around him. Gianluca Prestianni, Andreas Schjelderup and Dodi Lukebakio give the visitors enough pace and creativity to cause problems for Milan’s defence.

Two clubs with shared history

Milan defeated Benfica in both the 1963 and 1990 European Cup finals, but this will be their first meeting in the Europa League.

There are also several familiar faces involved. Milan coach Rúben Amorim previously played for Benfica, while Benfica president Rui Costa spent five seasons at San Siro. Gonçalo Ramos could also start against his former club.

Verdict

Milan have the home advantage, but choosing a winner is difficult. Amorim’s side remain unbeaten and have scored in every match, while Benfica arrive with seven consecutive victories and 12 goals from their last four league games.

Milan have already shown some vulnerability defensively, and Benfica have enough attacking quality to take advantage. At the other end, the hosts should create chances through Ramos, Moreira and Pulisic.

Both attacks look stronger than the opposing defences, making goals at both ends the best option.

Tip

Both teams to score