AC Milan begin their UEFA Europa League 2026/27 league stage campaign, while Benfica enter this first round after successfully navigating the qualifying stages. The match kicks off on Wednesday 16 September at 20:00 (GMT), with the location yet to be confirmed.
The two sides enter this European fixture in contrasting form, with AC Milan showcasing a strong domestic start but seeking broader consistency, while the visitors arrive on an impressive winning streak. Our prediction for AC Milan vs. Benfica is for a tight contest, with both teams eager to start positively.
Find out what our expert predictions are for today’s encounter.
AC Milan x Benfica Odds
Odds are subject to change.
Match Overview - AC Milan vs. Benfica
- AC Milan begins their UEFA Europa League 2026/27 campaign after an unbeaten domestic start. The Rossoneri aim to extend this strong momentum into their European opener.
- Benfica arrives in Italy displaying superb form across all competitions. They have already successfully navigated the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 qualifying rounds.
- This match marks the start of the league stage for both clubs, crucial for their European aspirations. Their only recent encounter was a 2019 friendly, where Benfica secured a 1-0 victory.
AC MilanAC
BenficaBENRecent Results(Last N Matches)
Season Stats
Head-to-Head Record
- Benfica enter this match in superb form, remaining unbeaten in their last ten games with eight wins and two draws.
- AC Milan’s recent results have been mixed, with the Italian giants winning five of their last ten matches across all competitions.
- The only recent head-to-head meeting between these two sides was a friendly in 2019, which saw Benfica secure a 1-0 victory.
- The Portuguese side has been impressive in the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 season, averaging 3.17 goals scored per game.
- Benfica: Rafa Silva is one to watch, with two goals and one assist in four appearances.
Head-to-Head
AC MilanACBenficaBEN| Competition | Score | Date |
|---|---|---|
| International Champions Cup | AC MilanAC 0-1  BenficaBEN |
AC Milan: Unbeaten Domestically, Now for Europe
AC Milan begins their UEFA Europa League 2026/27 campaign with a strong domestic record, having secured two wins and two draws in their first four Serie A matches. This unbeaten start provides a solid foundation as they transition to European action.
The Rossoneri have shown resilience in Serie A, earning draws against Lazio and Juventus, proving their ability to compete with strong opponents. They aim to translate this momentum into their crucial opening group stage fixture.
A key advantage for AC Milan is a fully fit squad, with no players on the injury list. This could be pivotal for a strong start to their European campaign at home.
DateResult | ||
|---|---|---|
AC MilanAC 0-2BenficaBEN | LossL | |
LazioLAZ 2-2 AC MilanAC | DrawD | |
JuventusJUV 1-1 AC MilanAC | DrawD | |
AC MilanAC 2-0 VeneziaVEN | WinW | |
TorinoTOR 1-2 AC MilanAC | WinW | |
Benfica: Riding a Wave of Momentum
Benfica arrives in Italy on an eleven-match unbeaten run, featuring nine victories. They have dominated in their domestic league and UEFA Europa League 2026/27 qualifiers, building excellent momentum for this opening fixture against their Italian opponents.
The team’s attack has been in blistering form, consistently scoring multiple goals. Midfielder Rafa Silva is a key creative force, providing two goals and an assist in his last four appearances for the club.
A major boost is the absence of any injuries, allowing them to field a full-strength squad. This could be pivotal in a challenging away trip as they aim to start their campaign on a positive note.
DateResult | ||
|---|---|---|
AC MilanAC 0-2BenficaBEN | WinW | |
BenficaBEN 3-1 Gil VicenteGIL | WinW | |
MoreirenseMOR 0-4 BenficaBEN | WinW | |
MaritimoMAR 0-3 BenficaBEN | WinW | |
BenficaBEN 2-1 EstorilEST | WinW | |
AC Milan vs. Benfica Prediction: Visitors to Continue Winning Streak
Benfica are in formidable form, arriving in Italy on an impressive unbeaten streak and scoring goals freely in recent matches. Their attacking quality suggests this European opener could see over 2.5 goals in total.
AC Milan have started their domestic season without defeat, but recent draws indicate they are not quite at their best. With both sides wanting to make a statement, a decisive result is likely, making the "Double Chance – 12" an appealing market.
Considering Benfica’s powerful momentum and superior attacking form compared to a solid but less explosive AC Milan, our main prediction is for the Portuguese side to secure an away victory in this encounter.
  | ||
| Best Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Double Chance & Over/Under | Over 2.5 goals in total | |
| Double Chance | The match not to end in a draw | |
The odds mentioned were collected during the writing of this prediction and may change. Always check with the bookmaker for the latest information.
Where to Watch AC Milan vs. Benfica
For those looking for where to watch AC Milan vs. Benfica, here is the latest information:
- TV: TNT Sports 2
- Streaming: HBO Max / NOW / Prime Video UK
AC Milan vs. Benfica Predicted Lineups
Heading into this UEFA Europa League 2026/27 fixture, both managers have the luxury of picking from nearly full-strength squads. The probable AC Milan lineup suggests a strategy focused on controlling the pace of the game and securing a vital home victory. Conversely, the expected Benfica lineup will likely be set up to be compact and disciplined, aiming to frustrate the hosts and capitalise on any chances that come their way, making for a fascinating tactical battle.
AC Milan
Maignan; Calabria, Tomori, Thiaw, Theo Hernandez; Bennacer, Reijnders, R. Loftus-Cheek; S. Chukwueze, Giroud, Leão.
Benfica
Trubin; A. Bah, Otamendi, António Silva, Jurásek; Florentino Luís, João Neves, Di María; Rafa Silva, Arthur Cabral, Tengstedt.
Match Details
Here are the match details:
- Match: AC Milan vs. Benfica
- Competition: UEFA Europa League 2026/27
- Date: 16/09/2026
- Kick-off: 20:00 (GMT)
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