Four Benfica wins set the tone for Europa League opener at Milan

Benfica bring four wins from six into opening Europa League test

AC Milan and Benfica begin their UEFA Europa League league-stage campaigns on Wednesday, September 16, with both teams starting on zero points. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 UTC, with J. Gillett appointed referee. Milan are listed 23rd in the League Round table, while Benfica occupy fourth, although neither side has played a match in this phase.

Contrasting momentum before the first whistle

Milan have no recent form data available, so there is no supplied run of results to assess their momentum. Benfica arrive with a clearer pattern: their six most recent results are a loss, four wins and a draw, listed from newest to oldest. That sequence gives Benfica a stronger evidence base for confidence, even though their most recent result was a defeat.

Benfica’s away record offers a mixed picture. They have one win, one draw and one loss on the road, scoring five goals and conceding four. Their average figures are 1.70 goals scored and 1.30 conceded per away game, with no clean sheets. Milan’s home statistics are all level at zero, with no recorded wins, draws, losses, goals or clean sheets, leaving little data from which to judge their home advantage.

Shape may define Benfica’s attacking plan

Benfica have used a 4-2-3-1 in three matches and a 4-1-3-2 in two. The repeated use of the first shape suggests a likely preference for two deeper midfielders supporting an attacking line, while the second formation points to an alternative with two forwards and a more advanced midfield structure. These options could allow Benfica to switch between controlled possession and a more direct approach.

With no Milan formation supplied, the tactical comparison remains limited. Benfica’s defensive record away from home, including four goals conceded and no clean sheets, gives Milan a possible route into the game. Benfica’s five away goals, meanwhile, indicate a threat Milan will need to manage if the visitors can use their preferred structures effectively.

Table positions add an early incentive

The standings carry an unusual message before the opening round: Anderlecht lead on zero points, while Milan trail the leader by zero and Benfica also trail by zero. The rankings still separate the teams, with Benfica fourth and Milan 23rd. Benfica may seek to justify that higher starting position with a positive away result, while Milan have an opportunity to move quickly away from the lower end of the table. Three points would give either team an immediate platform in the league phase.

Benfica will be without A. Bah because of injury and Bruma, who is off the roster. The repeated listings do not change the two named absences. Their unavailability could reduce Benfica’s selection options and encourage a more conservative use of the available formations. No Milan absences are supplied.

Prediction

AC Milan 1-2 Benfica. Benfica’s stronger recent sequence and away scoring record give them the edge, although their lack of clean sheets should leave Milan with a chance to score.