In a Europa League group stage match on September 16, AC Milan will host Benfica at San Siro. Both teams are in strong form, making this clash look set to be an intense and high-scoring encounter.
Milan’s Form
The Italian club has shown consistency at the start of the season. Following a 2-2 draw with Lazio, Milan remain undefeated in Serie A (2 wins, 2 draws).
At San Siro, where the opening ceremony for the 2026 Olympics took place in February, Milan is particularly dangerous—they’re undefeated in four European cup matches (3 wins, 1 draw).
Milan’s Expected Lineup (3-5-2)
Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan
Defenders: Kony De Winter, Mario Gila, Strahinja Pavlovic
Midfielders: Samuel Chukwueze, Luka Modrić, Adrien Rabiot, Yunus Musah (or Alexis Saelemaekers), Pervis Estupiñán
Forwards: Christian Pulisic (or Alfajo Cissé), Gonzalo Ramos
Benfica’s Form
The Portuguese side come into this match in excellent form, with seven consecutive wins across all competitions. They have scored at least three goals in 8 of their last 11 matches.
The Eagles are also confident away from home, although they have shown occasional inconsistency in European fixtures.
Benfica’s Expected Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Samuel Soares (or Anatoliy Trubin)
Defenders: Fredrik Aursnes (or Daniel Banjaki), Tomás Araújo, Clément Lenglet, Samuel Dahl
Midfielders: João Palhinha, Leandro Barreiro, Rafa Silva (or Georgiy Sudakov), Gianluca Prestiani, Andreas Schjelderup
Forward: Vangelis Pavlidis
Head-to-Head History
Milan hold a historical advantage and have never lost to Benfica in previous meetings. Notably, they won the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup finals in 1963 and 1990 against the Portuguese side.
This will be the first meeting between the clubs since 2007.
Interesting Statistics
- 7 of Milan’s last 10 European matches saw both teams score
- Benfica have scored in 7 of their last 10 games featuring goals from both sides
- Milan often score in the second half
- Benfica regularly score 2–3+ goals
Key Players
Gonzalo Ramos – could score against his former club
Rafa Silva – dangerous early in matches
Christian Pulisic – brings pace and creativity
Milan vs Benfica Prediction
Both teams are in strong form and consistently find the net. Milan have the home advantage, but Benfica’s attacking quality makes them a serious threat.
Main bet: Both teams to score (BTTS)
Alternative: Milan to win or draw + BTTS
Likely Score
2–1 or 2–2.
