Milan and Benfica clash to kick off the Europa League

Two historic European rivals meet at the San Siro stadium in the first round of the unified group stage of the UEFA Europa League, as Italian side Milan seeks to extend its unbeaten record against Portuguese club Benfica.

The two teams have met six times in European competition, with Milan remaining unbeaten in all of them (four wins and two draws), including victories in the European Cup finals in 1963 (then known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup) and 1990. However, this will be their first encounter since 2007.

Milan’s new Portuguese manager, Ruben Amorim, brings extensive experience in this competition, having guided Sporting to the round of 16 in the 2023-2024 season and then leading Manchester United to the final in the 2024-2025 season.

Starting the campaign at home could be an ideal way to kick off their title bid with a positive result, especially given that Milan has not lost in their last four European matches at San Siro (three wins and one draw).

Milan will rely on their newly arrived Portuguese striker, Goncalo Ramos, who joined from French club Paris Saint-Germain. Ramos aims to record his 16th goal in UEFA competitions, noting that eight of his previous 15 goals were scored while wearing the Benfica shirt.

Meanwhile, Rafa Silva could spoil the atmosphere of his return to his former home ground with a strong start, as three of his last four goals this season have come within the first 15 minutes of matches, either giving Benfica the lead or extending their advantage.

In other key matches, Belgian side Anderlecht will face French club Lyon, while German side Bayer Leverkusen will take on Slovenian club Celje. French league leaders Rennes will visit Austrian club Sturm Graz, and English side Sunderland will host Dutch club Almere City.