AC Milan vs Benfica Prediction and LiveScore Today | UEFA Europa League 2026 Match Preview, H2H Stats

AC Milan vs Benfica Prediction and LiveScore: UEFA Europa League Clash at San Siro Today

By Trendy News | 16 September 2026 | trendynews.space

Two European heavyweights meet at the San Siro this evening as AC Milan host Benfica in the opening matchday of the 2026-27 UEFA Europa League league phase. Kick-off is set for 20:00 UK time (21:00 CEST) on Wednesday 16 September 2026. Both clubs missed out on Champions League football this season and now begin their campaigns among the favourites to reach the final in Frankfurt next spring.

This article delivers the latest form analysis, head-to-head football stats, team news and a clear match prediction so you can follow the AC Milan vs Benfica LiveScore with full context.

Match Details and Kick-Off Time

Competition: UEFA Europa League 2026-27 – League Phase, Matchday 1

Venue: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro), Milan

Date: Wednesday 16 September 2026

Kick-off: 20:00 BST / 21:00 CEST / 15:00 ET

Referee: Jarred Gillett (Australia)

AC Milan return to European competition after a one-year absence. Benfica, under new coach Marco Silva, arrive in excellent form after a strong start to the Portuguese season and successful Europa League qualifying.

Current Form: AC Milan

Ruben Amorim’s side remain unbeaten in Serie A this season. They opened with home and away wins against Torino (2-1) and Venezia (2-0) before drawing 1-1 at Juventus and 2-2 at Lazio. In the most recent outing against Lazio, Milan fought back from two goals down, showing character but also defensive vulnerability.

The Rossoneri have scored in every competitive match so far and average close to two goals per game. Amorim continues to use a 3-4-2-1 shape and has a near fully fit squad available. Key creative players such as Christian Pulisic and the returning Luka Modric remain central to their attacking plans.

Current Form: Benfica

Benfica have been the more dominant side in recent weeks. Under Marco Silva they have won their last seven matches in all competitions, scoring freely along the way. Domestically they sit near the top of the Primeira Liga after four straight league victories, including a 3-1 win over Gil Vicente and a 4-0 away success at Moreirense.

In Europa League qualifying they progressed convincingly, posting high-scoring aggregate wins. Striker Vangelis Pavlidis has been in excellent form, while attackers Gianluca Prestianni and Andreas Schjelderup have also contributed regularly. The only notable absentee is right-back Alexander Bah, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury.

Head to Head Football Stats

Historical meetings between AC Milan and Benfica carry weight. Milan have never lost a major European match against the Portuguese side across six previous competitive encounters (four wins and two draws). Those results include victories in the 1963 and 1990 European Cup finals.

The most recent competitive meetings came in the 2007-08 Champions League group stage. Milan won 2-1 at San Siro and the return fixture in Lisbon finished 1-1. A 2019 friendly also went Benfica’s way 1-0, but that result carries less weight.

Overall competitive record favours the Italian club. Benfica have faced few sides more often in major European competition without recording a win than AC Milan. This historical edge gives the hosts extra confidence on home soil.

Team News and Predicted Line-Ups

AC Milan have no major injury concerns. Mattia Gabbia and other defensive options are available after recent minor issues. Amorim is expected to keep faith with his preferred 3-4-2-1 system.

Likely AC Milan starting XI: Maignan; De Winter, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Chukwueze, Modric, Musah, Moreira; Pulisic, Cisse; Ramos.

Benfica will be without Alexander Bah. Captain Fredrik Aursnes or Daniel Banjaqui is expected to fill the right-back role. Marco Silva has plenty of attacking options and is unlikely to rotate heavily given the importance of the fixture.

Likely Benfica starting XI: Soares; Aursnes, Araujo, Lenglet, Dahl; Palhinha, Barreiro; Silva, Prestianni, Schjelderup; Pavlidis.

AC Milan vs Benfica Prediction

Both teams enter the match unbeaten and with strong attacking form. Milan still look a work in progress under Amorim and have dropped points in their last two Serie A games. Benfica, by contrast, are flying and have scored heavily in recent outings.

San Siro remains a difficult venue and Milan’s historical dominance in this fixture cannot be ignored. However, Benfica’s current momentum and clinical finishing make them dangerous opponents.

Expect an open contest with both sides creating chances. The most probable outcome is a high-scoring draw. A 2-2 scoreline aligns with recent form trends and the attacking quality on both sides. Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals also look strong possibilities.

Prediction: AC Milan 2-2 Benfica

How to Follow the AC Milan vs Benfica LiveScore

The match will be available on TNT Sports and HBO Max in the UK, with Paramount+ and other regional broadcasters covering it internationally. LiveScore platforms will provide real-time updates including goals, cards, substitutions and match statistics from kick-off.

Fans looking for the AC Milan vs Benfica LiveScore can follow minute-by-minute coverage on major sports sites and apps once the game begins at 20:00 UK time. Pre-match analysis shows this is one of the standout fixtures of the Europa League opening round and should deliver an entertaining contest between two traditional European powers.

Key Takeaways Ahead of Kick-Off

AC Milan start their European campaign at home against a Benfica side in superb form. Historical head-to-head records favour the Rossoneri, yet current momentum sits with the visitors. A closely fought, goal-filled encounter is expected, with a draw the most likely result based on the available evidence.

Stay tuned to Trendy News for full LiveScore updates and post-match analysis once the final whistle blows at the San Siro.