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Arguably the headline fixture of the opening round of Europa League matches sees AC Milan welcome Benfica to San Siro on Wednesday evening.
Both clubs are led in Europe for the first time by their respective new managers, each tasked with steering their sides on a deep run in the competition.
Read our AC Milan vs Benfica prediction, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
AC Milan vs. Benfica key stats
- Benfica have won each of their last seven matches in all competitions.
- Each of those matches has produced at least three goals.
- Both teams have scored in eight of AC Milan's last 10 matches.
- The hosts have not lost any of their five competitive meetings with the visitors.
AC Milan vs. Benfica preview: Two Portuguese managerial hotshots reunite
AC Milan vs. Benfica — Tale of the Tape
| AC Milan | vs | Benfica |
|---|---|---|
| 6th (Serie A) | Position | 2nd (Primeira Liga) |
| 8 | Points | 16 |
| 7 | Goals For | 21 |
| 4 | Goals Against | 4 |
| 1 | Clean Sheets | 3 |
| 7th | Home / Away Rank | 1st |
Having seen a Champions League place slip through their grasp on the final day last season, AC Milan enter their Europa League opener still pondering what might have been. However, the Serie A giants must quickly accept their current reality.
After starting life under Ruben Amorim with back-to-back wins over Torino and Venezia, the Rossoneri have since shared the spoils with both Juventus and Lazio, most recently fighting back from two goals down to earn a valuable point.
Next up for Amorim’s side is their first competitive meeting with Benfica since the 2007-08 Champions League group stage, when Milan took four points from six to top Group D, while Benfica dropped into the UEFA Cup after finishing third.
Milan are among the most successful clubs in European football history but have never won the Europa League, with their best performance being a quarter-final finish in 2023-24.
An opening win against another pre-tournament favourite would lay down an early marker as Milan look to restore some of their continental pedigree of yesteryear.
Like Amorim, Marco Silva managed in the Premier League last season before leaving Fulham at the end of the campaign to take charge at Benfica, replacing Jose Mourinho, who returned to Real Madrid for a second spell.
Silva faced Amorim three times during their time together in England, recording one win, one draw and one defeat, a respectable return.
The 49-year-old will be confident of providing another strong test for his compatriot, given how impressive Benfica have looked this season.
Aguias are on a seven-game winning streak, including a 6-2 aggregate win over AGF in the Europa League playoffs and, most recently, a 3-1 victory over Gil Vicente to stay within touching distance of Porto early in the Primeira Liga title race.
Vangelis Pavlidis struck twice for Benfica last time out, and the Greek striker is undoubtedly one to watch if his side are to extend their winning run on Wednesday at a venue they have never won.
AC Milan vs. Benfica form guide & betting tips
| AC Milan | vs | Benfica |
|---|---|---|
W
W
D
D
|
Form |
W
W
W
W
W
|
| 7 | Goals For | 15 |
| 4 | Goals Against | 3 |
N/A |
Europa League |
N/A
|
Whispers predicts: AC Milan 2-1 Benfica
Benfica arrive in good form, but facing a resilient AC Milan side at San Siro looks a tough task. We are backing the hosts to come out on top at 11/10 (2.10).
With significant attacking talent on both sides, BTTS – Yes at 3/5 (1.60) and over 2.5 goals at 18/25 (1.72) both look solid picks.
Vangelis Pavlidis has scored 14 goals in 11 matches across all competitions this season and is 7/5 (2.40) to score anytime here.
> Match result — AC Milan to win at 11/10 (2.10) | Likelihood: Likely
> BTTS – Yes at 3/5 (1.60) | Likelihood: Probable
> Over 2.5 goals at 18/25 (1.72) | Likelihood: Probable
> Vangelis Pavlidis to score anytime at 7/5 (2.40) | Likelihood: Probable