AC Milan to host SL Benfica at San Siro in Europa League 2026-27 opener
AC Milan will host SL Benfica at the San Siro in the opening league phase fixture of the UEFA Europa League 2026-27, with the two clubs meeting in Europe for the first time since 2019. The fixture serves as the first Europa League match of the 2026-27 campaign for both teams.
AC Milan arrive unbeaten in the new season, having opened with victories against Torino and Venezia before being held to draws in back-to-back Serie A games against Juventus and Lazio. The club faces calls for improvement in both attack and defence to avoid a tougher run as the season progresses. At home they will feel a degree of confidence, but the squad are warned not to underestimate their opponents.
Marco Silva’s SL Benfica carry strong momentum into the tie, having secured wins in each of their last five matches. The Eagles have conceded just three goals across those five fixtures, form Benfica will hope to transfer into European competition. Despite playing away at the San Siro, Benfica are described as being full of confidence and intent on pushing for a win.
Adrien Rabiot, described as a 31-year-old Frenchman, is expected to play a key midfield role for AC Milan after providing a crucial assist in the 2-2 draw against Lazio. Milan will rely on Rabiot’s work rate in the final third as they seek improved attacking output. His recent contribution against Lazio is singled out as a reason for his importance in the European fixture.
Vangelis Pavlidis joins Benfica off the back of a sensational brace in the club’s previous encounter against Gil Vicente. The 27-year-old has scored three goals in his last two games and is slated to be deployed again as a sole striker. Benfica will look to Pavlidis to trouble Milan’s defence in the Europa League opener.
The San Siro is set to host what the preview describes as an entertaining outing, with AC Milan hoping home advantage will bolster their performance. Both sides will use the match to commence their UEFA Europa League 2026-27 campaigns.
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