AC Milan vs Benfica: Ruben Amorim's Squad Critique After Europa League Loss

Match Analysis: AC Milan's Struggle at San Siro

On 16 September 2026, AC Milan suffered a disappointing 0-2 defeat against Benfica in a UEFA Europa League group stage encounter held at the San Siro (Xinhua). Despite playing on home soil, the Rossoneri were outclassed by a Benfica side that, according to reports, relied heavily on reserve players but still managed to dominate the flow of the game (Goal.com). One of the key moments of the match saw Benfica's Dodi Lukebakio find the net, celebrating the goal with teammate Fredrik Aursnes (Xinhua).

Ruben Amorim's Candid Assessment of Squad Quality

The result has sparked significant debate due to the blunt post-match comments from AC Milan head coach Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese manager expressed frustration over the current squad's inability to execute his tactical vision, specifically highlighting a lack of technical quality in the build-up phase and the attacking midfield (Goal.com).

Amorim noted that the team often creates more problems for themselves when in possession than when defending. He pointed to a specific need for players who can operate effectively in 'half-spaces' and deliver the final decisive pass, suggesting that current options like Omari Hutchinson may only be temporary solutions rather than first-choice starters (Goal.com).

January Transfer Targets and Strategic Gaps

To remedy these shortcomings, Amorim has identified several key areas for reinforcement during the January transfer window. The coach is reportedly seeking a high-quality No. 10 playmaker and a new striker to alleviate the pressure on Goncalo Ramos and Camarda (Goal.com). Specifically, AC Milan is in discussions with Real Madrid regarding the potential transfer of Endrick.

Furthermore, the manager has expressed a strong desire to bring in defender Inacio from Sporting Lisbon to improve the technical quality of the defensive unit, a move that had been pursued up until the close of the previous window (Goal.com).

Why 'ac milan vs benfica' is Trending in India

The fixture saw a massive surge in interest across India, with Google Trends recording approximately 10,000 searches and an 800% growth in the 24 hours following the match (Google Trends). This spike is attributed not only to the match result but also to Amorim's high-profile critique of the club's squad building, which has captured the attention of the growing Indian football community following international European competitions.