AC Milan opened the defence of their title with a well deserved win over the Portuguese side who could have presented the home team with a very difficult opening match. As it turned out the champions were in control for most of the match despite the visitors scoring an injury time consolation goal.

Throughout the team Milan were a different class, Dida in goal had very little pressure placed upon his goal but was unfortunate to concede a late goal. The Italian defence coped with most of the attacks that Benfica threw at them and up front Inzaghi showed why he is still regarded as one of the best European strikers as he scored his 60^th goal and stands only two behind the record of Gerd Mueller.

Kaka was a constant threat in midfield as Milan swept the ball around the field at will, enjoying the majority of the possession. If there was any criticism it would be that the home team should have taken more of their chances in this live football match.

Andrea Pirlo gave the home side the lead as early as the 9^th minute as he curled a free kick around Joaoquim Quim in the Benfica net and then turned provider for Inzaghi on 23 when he unselfishly passed for the striker to put the home team 2-0 up.

Milan continued the rest of the match in a comfortable manner before at the death Benfica pulled one back through substitute Ribiero. AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti is pleased with the result having seen his side begin indifferently in their domestic league. He will hope that this result see’s a return to their consistency which helped them to win this competition last year, with a winning start in this live football match no one would bet against them.