AC Milan 0-2 Benfica: Lukebakio and Kaminski Silence the Rossoneri
Reviewed by Elison · Thu 17 Sep 2026UEFA Europa League · League phase
AC MilanFULL-TIME
BenficaWednesday 16 September 2026 · 21:00
Our score 1-1MissedHot tip Full-time draw✗ Lost
Introduction
Benfica produced a disciplined and clinical performance to defeat AC Milan 2-0 in the league phase of the UEFA Europa League, a result that underlines their remarkable form across their last five matches. Despite Milan controlling large portions of the game, Benfica’s efficiency in front of goal proved the defining difference, with their two strikes coming at crucial moments to secure a deserved win.
How the Game Unfolded
Strahinja Pavlovic was booked for AC Milan in the eleventh minute before Benfica struck first. On 16 minutes, Dodi Lukebakio opened the scoring, converting an assist from Jakub Kaminski to give the visitors the lead. Souffian El Karouani was booked for Benfica in the 26th minute, and Jhon Duran followed him into the referee’s book in the 37th minute.
Benfica doubled their advantage eight minutes into the second half. Jakub Kaminski scored on 53 minutes, finishing from a pass by Souffian El Karouani to make it 2-0. Milan introduced Adrien Rabiot from the bench in the 73rd minute, though the hosts could not find a way through.
Daniel Banjaqui was booked for Benfica in the 77th minute, and Leandro Barreiro, who had come on as a substitute, was cautioned in the 84th minute. Vangelis Pavlidis, another Benfica substitute, received a yellow card in the second minute of stoppage time. Benfica held on to complete a 2-0 win.
The Numbers
The statistics paint a picture of a game in which Milan dominated possession but lacked the cutting edge to convert their opportunities. The Rossoneri controlled 60 percent of the ball, completing 521 of their 570 passes at an accuracy rate of around 91 percent. They registered 17 shots in total, with four on target, producing an expected goals figure of 0.96. Despite this, their goalkeeper was called into action on just two occasions.
Benfica, by contrast, operated with far greater economy. Working with only 40 percent possession and completing 324 of their 381 passes, they nonetheless fashioned 11 shots — four of which were on target — from an expected goals figure of 0.64. Their goalkeeper made four saves to keep Milan at bay, and the visitors also registered three offsides as they looked to play on the break. Benfica earned just one corner kick compared to Milan’s ten, yet it was the Portuguese side that took full advantage of the moments that mattered most.
Conclusion
Benfica’s victory over AC Milan was a masterclass in counter-attacking efficiency. Milan’s inability to convert their significant territorial dominance into goals ultimately proved costly, while Kaminski and Lukebakio provided the moments of quality that decided the match. It was a result that underlined Benfica’s credentials as a genuine force in this season’s UEFA Europa League.
