Benfica humble Milan 2-0 in Europa League opener as Pulisic subs on

AC Milan opened their Europa League campaign with a sobering 2-0 home defeat to Benfica, a result that immediately changes the mood around the club's European ambitions. Christian Pulisic was introduced from the bench as the Rossoneri searched for a way back into the game, but the United States international could not prevent a disappointing night at home.

What happened

Milan welcomed the Portuguese side Benfica and conceded twice without reply. The home crowd expected a strong start to the continental campaign, but instead saw their team fall short against a disciplined and dangerous opponent. Pulisic, who has become an important attacking outlet since arriving in Italy, began the match among the substitutes and was called upon as Milan tried to chase the contest. His introduction added urgency, yet the equaliser never arrived.

Benfica, a club with a rich European history, will treasure this away result. Winning at a major Italian club is exactly the kind of performance that can define a Europa League run, and the Portuguese giants left with the confidence that comes from a clean, two-goal victory.

Why it matters

The Europa League offers Milan a genuine chance at silverware and a potential route back into the Champions League. Dropping points at home in the opening fixture complicates that path immediately. In European competition, every home match carries extra weight. Milan now face a tougher task to control their own destiny.

For Benfica, the win is a statement. It proves they can travel to a European heavyweight and deliver a mature, clinical performance. A win on the road can be priceless in Europe, and it hands them early momentum in the campaign.

Pulisic and the bigger picture

Pulisic's substitute role will spark debate among Milan supporters. The winger has shown he can change games with direct running and goal threat, and his absence from the starting lineup may reflect tactical choice, fitness management, or simply the coach's plan for this fixture. Either way, Milan's attacking fluency looked limited without him from the start.

There is also a wider narrative: American players are increasingly central to major European clubs, and Pulisic remains the standard-bearer. Nights like this, where he enters as a substitute and cannot rescue his team, underline both the expectation and the difficulty of performing at the highest level.

What it means

Milan must respond quickly. A home defeat in Europe's secondary club competition is not fatal, but it sets an uncomfortable tone. The next fixtures, both domestically and in Europe, will reveal whether this was a bump or a genuine warning sign. The manager will need to find the right balance, and Pulisic's minutes will be watched closely.

Benfica, meanwhile, can build on a result that few teams manage. If they maintain this level, they will be a threat to anyone. For Milan, the message is clear: home form must improve, and the response must be immediate.