AC Milan face in-form Benfica in Europa League opener

AC Milan and Benfica meet at 20h on Wednesday in the opening matchday of the Europa League league phase, with both sides beginning the competition as leaders of their respective groups. The Italian and Portuguese clubs will be aiming for a winning start as they look to maintain their position at the top.

Milan arrive with an inconsistent record over their past five matches. The Rossoneri have recorded two victories, two draws and one defeat during that run, including wins against Venezia and Torino.

They defeated Venezia 2-0 before beating Torino 2-1. Milan then drew 1-1 with Juventus and 2-2 against Lazio. Those results have underlined the team’s need for greater defensive solidity as they prepare to face a Benfica side in strong form.

Benfica’s recent record is considerably more convincing. The Portuguese club have won their past five matches, scoring 15 goals and conceding only two during that sequence.

Their run has included victories over Estoril, Moreirense and Gil Vicente. Benfica beat Estoril 2-1, followed that with a 4-0 win against Moreirense and then overcame Gil Vicente 3-1. The Lisbon side therefore travel to this fixture with considerable attacking momentum.

Previous meetings

The overall record between the clubs remains closely contested. Milan have won one of the three previous meetings, while the other two ended in draws.

The most recent encounter took place in August 2009, when the sides drew 1-1 in a friendly match. Their last European meetings came in the Champions League in 2007.

Milan won the first leg 2-1 before Benfica held them to a 1-1 draw in Lisbon. The two clubs will now renew that rivalry in the Europa League, with their contrasting recent form adding an extra dimension to the contest.

Kick-off is scheduled for 20h. Milan will be seeking more consistency after a mixed sequence of domestic results, while Benfica will attempt to extend a five-match winning run and carry their defensive and attacking record into the start of their European campaign.

The match represents an important early opportunity for both teams in the race to retain top spot.