Benfica delivered a statement performance on Europa League Matchday 1, silencing San Siro with a comprehensive 2-0 victory over Milan. The Portuguese giants controlled proceedings from start to finish, combining defensive resilience with clinical execution to claim all three points in their continental opener. For Milan, it was a deeply frustrating evening — plenty of creative endeavour but nothing to show for it against a disciplined and confident Benfica side.

The undisputed star of the night was goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, who earned a remarkable 8.7 match rating for a commanding display between the posts. Trubin made 4 saves to deny Milan, won 3 aerial duels, and produced 5 crucial clearances to snuff out danger. Perhaps most impressively, the Ukrainian shot-stopper launched 25 long balls throughout the match, consistently turning defence into attack and stretching Milan's shape with his distribution. His performance was the foundation upon which Benfica's clean sheet was built.

In front of Trubin, defender Daniel Banjaqui was equally impressive, earning a 7.5 rating for a display of defensive dominance. Banjaqui made 7 tackles — the most on the pitch — and won 10 ground duels as he repeatedly thwarted Milan's attacking forays. His ability to read danger and commit to challenges ensured that even when Trubin was beaten for position, there was another layer of protection in place. The clean sheet was a collective effort, but Banjaqui's individual contribution was immense.

Milan were not without their bright spots. Samuel Chukwueze was the Rossoneri's most creative outlet, also earning a 7.5 rating thanks to 4 key passes and 3 successful dribbles. The Nigerian winger consistently found pockets of space and tried to unlock the Benfica defence, but his efforts were ultimately in vain. Without a cutting edge in front of goal, Milan's possession and creativity counted for nothing against a side that defended with such organisation and conviction.

The result leaves Milan with an early deficit to make up in the Europa League group stage, while Benfica head back to Lisbon with maximum points and a confidence-boosting clean sheet. With Trubin in this kind of form and defenders like Banjaqui performing at such a high level, Benfica look like serious contenders in this competition. For Milan, questions will be asked about their inability to convert dominance in certain areas into goals — a problem that could haunt them if not addressed quickly.

Milan 0-2 Benfica