Benfica Beat AC Milan 2-0 to Deepen Ruben Amorim’s Tough Start
AC Milan’s difficult start under Ruben Amorim deepened with a 2-0 defeat to Benfica at San Siro, where Dodi Lukebakio and Jakub Kaminski scored to hand the Rossoneri their first loss of the new manager’s spell.
The result followed successive Serie A draws and brought a hostile response from the home crowd at full-time. Milan struggled to impose themselves against a Benfica team that had made nine changes from its preceding starting line-up, underlining the scale of the work facing Amorim.
Amorim concerned by anxious opening periods
Amorim said Milan had again failed to establish themselves before the interval, describing a side that became nervous after falling behind and then found chance creation even harder.
He questioned whether there was a psychological element to the recurring slow starts, having seen his team spend a second consecutive first half short of the required level. The opening Benfica goal, he felt, exposed Milan’s existing problems in the final third and caused the players to lose composure.
Milan had intended to build a dominant side based around control of possession, but their use of the ball repeatedly created risks of its own. Amorim said dangerous turnovers were occurring when his players had possession, rather than when Benfica controlled the game.
Lack of movement hurt Milan’s attack
The coach identified the absence of runs beyond the Benfica defence as a major reason for Milan’s blunt first-half attack. With two trequartista-style players operating behind the forward line, there was little space available for them when teammates did not threaten in behind.
That issue was addressed during the interval and Milan made a brighter start to the second half. However, Kaminski’s goal gave Benfica a two-goal advantage, allowing the visitors to retreat closer to their penalty area and wait for transition opportunities.
Amorim said his team had managed some improved possession around the box after the break, but not enough creativity to turn territorial pressure into clear chances. He also criticised the rush and lack of quality that followed Lukebakio’s opener, saying Milan lost sight of their intended structure.
Coach open to adapting system
Although the 3-4-2-1 shape and Amorim’s broader footballing approach are already under scrutiny, he maintained that his plans are not fixed. The former Sporting CP manager said the squad has had only two months to establish a foundation and that results must remain central to the process.
Amorim insisted Milan will look for practical adjustments for matches of this kind, rather than persist with an approach that is not producing wins. The immediate task is to turn a side capable of holding the ball into one that can protect possession, create more effectively near goal and avoid the anxious periods that have marked the opening weeks of his tenure.
