Marco Silva Outfoxes His Compatriot: Tactical Analysis of AC Milan 0-2 Benfica

Marco Silva outfoxes his compatriot: Tactical analysis of AC Milan 0-2 Benfica

By: Rohit Rajeev There’s no two ways about it: AC Milan were humbled on their return to the European stage, losing 2-0 to Benfica at San Siro.Benfica boss Marco Silva made nine changes from the team he played at the weekend, with an eye on Sunday’s huge early-season clash against Porto. Yet you would not have been able to tell, as the Eagles emerged with quite a comfortable win in the end.Over 65,000 fans were at San Siro hoping to see Milan lay…

Milan – Benfica: Amorim’s Defensive Organisation Problems Continue (0-2)

Ruben Amorim’s Milan suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Benfica in their Europa League opener, with Dodi Lukébakio and Jakub Kamiński striking either side of half-time. Benfica punished Milan’s defensive lapses and looked more dangerous in key moments, while the hosts struggled to turn their possession and attacking spells into clear chances. Despite Amorim’s second-half changes, including the introduction of Christian Pulisic, Marco Silva’s side remained organised to secure a deserved victory at San Siro. Tactical analysis and match report by Mustafa Hassan. Ruben Amorim’s Milan lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, using three centre-backs to provide security in the first phase and a four-man midfield to support progression. Mike Maignan started in goal behind Filippo Terracciano, Koni De Winter and Strahinja Pavlović, who formed the defensive line. Samuel Chukwueze and Davide Bartesaghi operated as the wide midfielders, with Yunus Musah and Ardon Jashari forming the central pairing. Omari Hutchinson and Alphadjo Cissé played behind Gonçalo Ramos, who led the attack. Milan’s structure gave them a strong presence across the first two lines, while Hutchinson and Cissé could move into narrower positions to support Ramos between the lines. Chukwueze and Bartesaghi provided width, allowing the attacking midfielders to occupy central areas and create passing options around Benfica’s midfield. Benfica, meanwhile, lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Marco Silva. Anatoliy Trubin started in goal behind Daniel Banjaqui, Alessandro Circati, Tomás Araújo and Souffian El Karouani, who formed the back four. Fredrik Aursnes and João Palhinha operated as the double pivot, while Jakub Kamiński, Georgiy . . . Get access to this article and all other quality content of Between the Posts! Start your two-week free trial now! Completely ad-free exclusive articles from our expert tactics writers, plus a complete match plots page to explore. Membership Plans Already a member? Log in