Europa League Chase
AC Milan and Juventus Target Champions League Return Through Europa League Campaign
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Key Points
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Milan are returning to European competition after a year and a half away, following a late-season collapse under Massimiliano Allegri that cost them Champions League qualification on the final day of the 2025-26 campaign.
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The Europa League’s financial and sporting incentives are substantial: winning it would bring roughly €40 million and automatic qualification for the following Champions League, in addition to the prestige and morale associated with ending Milan’s long wait for a major European trophy.
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Although several major clubs are absent — including Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, as well as Porto, Feyenoord and Club Brugge — the field still includes a group of roughly a dozen formidable teams, including Real Sociedad, Bayer Leverkusen, Hoffenheim, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace.
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Milan’s reported starting-lineup plans for the opening league-phase match included Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s Modrić being unavailable and Hutchinson coming into the team.
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Lecce sporting director Trinchera said the club rejected the summer move because it could afford not to sell Gabriel, adding that both the player and his agent Jorge Mendes remained committed to Lecce. Gabriel has also posted strong early-season defensive numbers, including 2 tackles won and 3.8 defensive closures per game, with no errors leading to an opposition goal.
AC Milan's Europa League campaign got off to a rough start with a 2-0 home defeat to Benfica at San Siro Middle East Online, marking an early setback for coach Ruben Amorim's plans to win the competition. The Portuguese manager and owner Gerry Cardinale see the Europa League as a major objective after Milan missed Champions League qualification last season, viewing it as both a path back to Europe's elite competition and a chance to end the club's long drought for a major European trophy Outlook India.
Benfica Stuns Milan in San Siro Opener
Benfica delivered a dominant performance at San Siro, with goals from Dodi Lukebakio in the 16th minute and Jakub Kaminski sealing the 2-0 victory Middle East Online. Milan's opening-match defeat marked a disappointing start for Amorim, whose first major European test ended with San Siro fans whistling their displeasure Napolike. The loss exposed early defensive vulnerabilities that Amorim must address quickly.
Europa League's Rich Prize for Milan's Revival
Winning the Europa League would deliver roughly €40 million to Milan's coffers and guarantee automatic Champions League qualification for next season Outlook India. The prize carries immense significance beyond finances. For Milan, clinching a major European trophy would end a years-long drought and provide the psychological boost the squad desperately needs after last season's late collapse cost them direct Champions League entry.
Formidable Field Despite Missing Giants
While Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid are absent from the competition, the Europa League field still includes roughly a dozen strong teams Talk Sport. Real Sociedad, Bayer Leverkusen, Hoffenheim, Bournemouth, and Crystal Palace represent serious obstacles for Milan's run. Milan and Juventus remain among the favorites, but the road to the trophy will demand consistent performances and tactical discipline from Amorim's squad.
Gabriel Pursuit Could Resume in January Window
Amorim's interest in Lecce defender Tiago Gabriel may resurface when the transfer window reopens Transfermarkt. Milan's summer offer of €20 million was rejected by Lecce, whose sporting director Trinchera said the club could afford to keep him. Gabriel has impressed early in the season with 2 tackles won and 3.8 defensive closures per game, stats that appeal to Amorim's three-man defense system.
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