Benfica storm San Siro with 2-0 win over a flat AC Milan

Benfica made a powerful start to their Europa League campaign with a 2-0 win over AC Milan at San Siro. Goals from Dodi Lukébakio and Kaminsky settled a contest in which the Italians struggled to find any real rhythm and eventually suffered their first defeat of the season. The fixture brought together two European heavyweights forced to settle for the continent's second competition, and the Lisbon club served early notice of their title ambitions.

• Benfica take all three points at San Siro with a 2-0 victory over AC Milan.
• Lukébakio and Kaminsky score the goals for the Portuguese side.
• Luka Modric stays on the bench and does not play a single minute.
• AC Milan fall to their first defeat of the season under Rúben Amorim.

Lukébakio produces a trademark finish to put Benfica in front

Benfica came out with more energy and quickly assumed control of possession. The visitors piled up a series of probing moves around the Italian box and gave Mike Maignan plenty of warning, even if their early dominance was not immediately turned into clear chances. That initial superiority was confirmed in the 15th minute through a fine individual piece of play from Dodi Lukébakio.

The former Sevilla winger started wide on the right, cut inside with a sharp touch and unleashed a left-footed strike aimed at the far post. The power and precision of the effort left the French goalkeeper with no chance. Lukébakio's curling shot made it 1-0 and gave Benfica the platform they needed during a lively opening spell.

Sudakov hits the post as Benfica come close to doubling the lead

Rúben Amorim's side tried to respond but still lacked speed and width in their attacking play. Possession did not translate into any real threat on Trubin's goal, while Benfica almost extended their advantage shortly after the opening goal. Sudakov found space and sent a shot against the post as the home defence looked increasingly exposed.

The Benfica goalkeeper was also called into action during one of the clearest chances of the first half to keep a clean sheet intact. AC Milan reached the break still in the game largely because of their opponents' wayward finishing, but the overall picture showed an Italian team that was uncomfortable and short of ideas against Portugal's organized block.

Milan's second-half improvement fades after Kaminsky's strike

The interval seemed to do the Italians good. AC Milan produced their most recognizable spell of football and carved out a golden opportunity five minutes into the second half. Koni De Winter collected a looping ball inside the box in a promising position, but his effort flew well wide. That missed chance would weigh heavily on the home side's morale.

A cold shower arrived soon after from Benfica's second goal. Kaminsky attacked a cross from the left side of the attack and finished first time, placing the ball beyond Maignan's reach. The midfielder connected cleanly with a difficult bouncing ball and made it 2-0, effectively draining the energy from Milan's attempted comeback.

Modric left on the bench as Trubin keeps a comfortable clean sheet

Amorim tried to shake things up from the touchline, but Milan remained sluggish in and around the Portuguese penalty area. The lack of penetration remained a problem throughout the second half, and Benfica's defence dealt comfortably with most of the home side's approach play. Trubin ended the game with a composed and secure performance between the posts.

Luka Modric watched the entire match from the bench and did not get a single minute on the pitch. The Portuguese coach chose not to call on the experienced midfielder even when the scoreline turned against his team. Milan's management of the contest raises questions after a defeat that leaves them playing catch-up from the opening round of the league phase.

What the result means for both clubs in the Europa League race

The defeat puts immediate pressure on AC Milan to bounce back if they want to stay among the leading positions in the league phase. The new Europa League format offers little margin for error against direct rivals, and losing at home to a title contender means giving up ground from the very first round. Amorim's men need to rediscover their form quickly to avoid complicating their qualification path.

Benfica, on the other hand, leave San Siro in a strong position: three points, a clean sheet and a display of real solidity away from Lisbon. The Portuguese side proved that their bid to lift the trophy is built on more than just reputation. Winning in one of the competition's most demanding stadiums strengthens their status as a serious challenger in this season's Europa League.