AC Milan vs Benfica: Ruben Amorim Slams Squad After 0-2 Europa League Defeat

AC Milan suffered a bruising 0-2 defeat against Benfica on September 16, 2026, in the league phase of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League. The result has sparked significant debate in Italy and among global fans, not only because of the scoreline but because of the blunt admission from Milan manager Ruben Amorim regarding the quality of his current squad.

Match Result and Impact on Standings

The fixture, held at San Siro, ended in a 0-2 victory for the Portuguese side. While fans searching for the ac milan vs benfica standings are looking for the immediate league table impact, the result marks a critical early setback for the Rossoneri in the Europa League league phase. Benfica, managed by Marco Silva, secured the three points despite fielding a lineup composed primarily of reserve players, highlighting a stark gap in performance between the two sides.

Amorim's Tactical Crisis: "Not the Right Players"

Following the match, Ruben Amorim did not mince words regarding the team's struggles. He admitted that he lacks the necessary personnel to implement his specific tactical vision, stating that he does not have the "right players to play his football" [1].

Amorim identified two primary areas of concern:

• Build-up Phase: The manager noted a lack of technical quality in the defensive unit during the transition from defense to attack, mentioning that only Gila possesses the required characteristics.
• Attacking Midfield: Amorim specifically highlighted a need for a "No 10 with flair" and players capable of operating in the "half-spaces," describing recent signing Hutchinson as more of a "stopgap" than a first-choice option.

Looking Toward January: Transfer Targets

With the current squad deemed incompatible with his system, AC Milan is reportedly preparing for a January recruitment drive. The club is focusing on players who can provide the technical proficiency Amorim demands. Key targets reportedly include:

Target Player	Current Club	Role/Need
Inacio	Sporting Lisbon	Technical quality in the defensive unit
Endrick	Real Madrid	Attacking reinforcement/Striker
Unnamed "No 10"	TBD	Creative playmaker to operate between lines

These potential moves are seen as essential to avoid further heavy defeats, as the 0-2 loss to a reserve-heavy Benfica side has raised serious questions about the understanding between Amorim and the club's leadership regarding squad building.