Milan enter their UEFA Europa League clash against Benfica on September 16 carrying the weight of two consecutive draws that have raised questions about their cutting edge. A 2-2 result against Lazio followed by a 1-1 stalemate with Juventus suggests a side that can compete with Serie A's elite but struggles to land the decisive blow. As the San Siro lights up for European action, Sergio Conceição's men — or whoever occupies the Milan dugout — will know that only a victory can inject genuine momentum into their campaign.

Benfica, meanwhile, arrive in Milan as something of an unknown quantity for this particular fixture, with limited recent form data available to dissect. What is never in doubt, however, is the Portuguese giants' pedigree in European competition. A club with two European Cup titles in their history and a consistent presence in continental knockout rounds, Benfica are rarely easy opponents away from home. Their Transfermarkt squad depth speaks for itself, and they will fancy their chances against a Milan side that has looked vulnerable defensively.

The key battle in this encounter could well be in midfield, where Milan's need to control tempo will clash with Benfica's typically energetic and well-organized pressing. Milan's back-to-back draws revealed a pattern: they can create and score, but they concede at crucial moments. Against Lazio they let a lead slip to draw 2-2, and against Juventus they could not find a winner despite matching one of Italy's most stubborn defensive units. Benfica will look to exploit that inconsistency, particularly on the counter-attack where Portuguese clubs have historically thrived in away European ties.

What is at stake is significant for both sides. In the Europa League's current format, every match matters in the league phase, and a home victory for Milan would be a statement of intent. For Benfica, picking up points on the road in a hostile environment like the San Siro would demonstrate the kind of resilience needed to go deep in the competition. Neither team can afford to fall behind early in the standings.

Prediction: Milan's home advantage and the urgency created by their recent draws should push them to a narrow victory. Expect a tight, tactical affair, but the Rossoneri's need for three points — combined with the San Siro crowd — gives them the edge. Milan 2-1 Benfica.

Milan vs Benfica