The opening night of the Europa League league phase delivered a stunning twist for European heavyweights, as seven-time European champions AC Milan suffered a harsh reality check with a 2-0 home defeat to Benfica. This result marks Milan’s first defeat under the management of Ruben Amorim, despite the Italian giants securing two wins and two draws in their opening four Serie A fixtures. In England, the competition witnessed a historic moment as Sunderland clinched a dramatic 1-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar, marking their triumphant return to the European stage after a 53-year absence.
Benfica, under the guidance of Marco Silva, displayed a clinical edge to secure the victory. The breakthrough came in the 16th minute through a moment of individual brilliance from Dodi Lukebakio. The Belgian winger cut inside from the right flank before unleashing a powerful left-footed drive that nestled perfectly into the far bottom corner. Eight minutes after the interval, the Portuguese giants doubled their lead when Jakub Kaminski slammed home a cross from Souffian El Karouani on the left wing, leaving the Milan defense with no answer.
Meanwhile, the historic atmosphere at the Stadium of Light provided the perfect backdrop for Sunderland’s return to continental competition. Regis Le Bris’s side faced AZ Alkmaar in their first European fixture since the Cup Winners’ Cup second round in 1973. The Black Cats dominated the early exchanges, asserting their dominance but struggling to convert their chances. Enzo Le Fee came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half, striking the woodwork with a powerful effort.
The pressure eventually told, and Sunderland were rewarded for their persistence 20 minutes after the restart. The referee pointed to the spot following a foul by Weslley Patati on Enzo Le Fee, handing the hosts a golden opportunity. Sunderland made no mistake from the penalty spot to secure a memorable 1-0 victory, sending the local fans into raptures. The victory represents a perfect start to a monumental campaign for the English club, while Milan will look to regroup quickly as they navigate the complexities of the Europa League league phase.
