Key Takeaways
- AC Milan suffered their first defeat under Ruben Amorim in a 2-0 loss to Benfica.
- Sunderland secured a 1-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar in their first European match since 1973.
- Olympique Lyonnais won 2-1 against Anderlecht in another Europa League match.
AC Milan, under new manager Ruben Amorim, suffered their first defeat in the Europa League, losing 2-0 to Benfica at home. The match, which marked the start of the Europa League league phase, saw the Italian giants struggle to find the back of the net, despite leading Serie A for the first two months of the season.
Amorim, who had previously stated he might not have the time needed to adapt his tactics, admitted, 'We lost tonight, but we will find the solutions to adapt to these games, because we need to create an idea, but we also need to win, so of course we can adapt.'
Benfica, the seven-time European champions, capitalized on Milan's defensive lapses, with Dodi Lukebakio scoring the opening goal in the 16th minute. Jakub Kaminski added the second goal in the 64th minute, sealing the victory for the Portuguese side.
Sunderland, making their first appearance in European football since 1973, secured a 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar at the Stadium of Light. Defender Trai Hume expressed his joy, saying, 'Now that we are here, I’m just trying to enjoy every moment.'
The Black Cats, despite being the stronger team in the first half, struggled to convert their chances, with Enzo Le Fee coming closest when he struck the post. Sunderland’s penalty was awarded in the 62nd minute, and Regis Le Bris stepped up to score from the spot.
Sunderland’s goalkeeper Robin Roefs made a crucial save in the 81st minute, denying AZ Alkmaar’s Valdemar Byskov an equalizer. Roefs stated, 'We are going to keep pushing this season.'
In Brussels, Olympique Lyonnais overcame Anderlecht with a 2-1 victory. Noah Nartey put the visitors ahead in the 8th minute, and Keito Nakamura doubled the lead with a deflected strike in the 30th minute.
The match against Anderlecht came after Olympique Lyonnais had suffered a dramatic Champions League play-off loss to Fenerbahce, but the team bounced back to secure their first win in the Europa League.
These matches marked the beginning of the Europa League season, with teams from across Europe vying for a place in the knockout stages.
We lost tonight, but we will find the solutions to adapt to these games, because we need to create an idea, but we also need to win, so of course we can adapt.
Ruben Amorim, Manager of AC Milan
Now that we are here, I’m just trying to enjoy every moment.
Trai Hume, Sunderland Defender
