Kaminski scores for Benfica, Milan stays goalless in opening match

In the direct Europa League clash Milan Benfica, the live broadcast showed Benfica in the lead thanks to two goals, the first at the 16th minute by Dodi Lukebakio and the second at the 53rd minute by Kaminski, while Milan remained goalless. PHOTOS of the match are available.

First goal by Dodi

At the 16th minute Dodi Lukebakio found the net for Benfica. The Belgian received the ball on the left, cut inside and finished with a left‑foot shot that beat Maignan. Bartesaghi's defensive error facilitated the goal.

Kaminski's double

At the 53rd minute Kaminski doubled the lead for the Portuguese. After an insertion by Aursnes, the ball reached El Karouani, then Kaminski, who beat Maignan with a precise shot under the crossbar. The finish was described as “unstoppable” for Maignan.

Line‑ups and substitutions

Milan's line‑up started with a 3-4-2-1: Maignan; Terracciano, De Winter and Pavlovic; Chukwueze, Musah, Jashari and Bartesaghi; Hutchinson and Cisse; Gonçalo Ramos. Terracciano was replaced at the 46th minute by Gila, Bartesaghi at the 57th minute by Saelemaekers, Hutchinson at the 46th minute by Pulisic and Cisse at the 57th minute by Moreira. BENFICA lined up Trubin; Banjaqui, Circati, Araujo and El Karouani; Aursnes, Joao Palhinha; Kaminski, Sudakov and Lukebakio; Duran. Marco Silva, Benfica's coach, has already thought about the next league match against Porto.

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Rubén Amorim, Milan's manager, reiterated the aim of winning every match: “Our goal is to go all the way, there is no minimum objective. If you don’t win, you are criticised.” He also recalled his past as a player at Benfica, citing Rui Costa.

Post‑match assessments

After the defeat, Amorim commented on Luka Modrić’s performance: “I will not draw any hasty conclusions about Luka’s performance. He is an important player and I will manage him throughout the season.” He emphasized that the team must improve its attitude.

Milan returned to the Europa League after 574 days since the last match against Feyenoord in February 2025, more than 500 days of absence. Amorim noted that the clash with Benfica represents a confrontation with his past, having coached the Portuguese club.

The result highlights Benfica’s ability to capitalise on chances, while Milan must review its defence and the management of key moments. The difference between the two perspectives underscores the need for a swift improvement for the red‑and‑black club.