AC Milan’s European campaign is in serious trouble. Ferencvaros stunned the Rossoneri 2-0 at San Siro on Thursday night. It was Milan’s third Europa League defeat in just four games.
The result leaves Ruben Amorim’s side 28th in the league phase on three points. Only days earlier, they had beaten Inter 3-1 in a thrilling derby. Now the mood around the club has flipped completely.
A Night to Forget at San Siro
Ferencvaros arrived in Milan full of confidence, and it showed early. The Hungarian side dominated the first half and should have led at the break. Young goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani kept Milan (2.90) level with several sharp saves. He was making his first start fo the club, with Mike Maignan suspended. Maignan had been sent off during the 3-0 loss at Bournemouth.
However, the second half quickly turned sour for the hosts. A defensive mix-up gifted Lenny Joseph the opener in the 52nd minute. The Haitian striker struck again in the 66th minute, as Milan were caught on the counter.
Ferencvaros had Bamidele Yusuf sent off in the 77th minute. Even so, Milan could not find a way back.
The Numbers Behind the Collapse
Milan took 15 shots to Ferencvaros’s 12. That sounds healthy, but the detail tells a different story. Only two of Milan’s efforts hit the target. Ferencvaros, by contrast, tested Torriani eight times.
The expected goals (xG) gap was even bigger. The visitors created 3.1 xG, while Milan managed just 1.2. In the first half, Milan mustered only two shots, and both missed.
Amorim reacted at half-time with a triple substitution. Christian Pulisic, Mario Gila and derby hero Diego Moreira all came on. The changes lifted the energy for a short while. But within seven minutes of the restart, Milan were behind.
Three Defeats From Four Games
This loss continues a worrying pattern in Europe. Milan opened the league phase with a 2-0 home defeat to Benfica. They then crashed 3-0 away at Bournemouth. A 4-0 thrashing of RB Salzburg briefly lifted spirits. Alphadjo Cisse scored his first European hat-trick in that game.
Outside that win, Milan have failed to score in Europe this season. They have also conceded seven goals across their three defeats.
History adds to the gloom. Milan have lost three of their first four games in a European campaign before. But it has happened only once, back in 2021/22. They have also lost both home games in Europe this season. Milan had not suffered that in a single campaign since 2010/11.
Before Thursday, Milan were unbeaten in four games against Hungarian clubs. That record is now gone.
Amorim Pulls No Punches
Amorim did not hide his anger after the final whistle. Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, he admitted he had no explanation. “I don’t remember us playing any other first-half performances like that,” he said. He pointed to a lack of ambition and concentration. He also said his side “made stupid errors” and handed Ferencvaros chances.
Crucially, the Portuguese coach took some of the blame himself. “Probably, I didn’t do enough to make sure the team was ready,” he said. His biggest worry was the squad’s ability to handle a busy schedule. “We are not ready to be competitive on two fronts,” Amorim added.
He went even further in his press conference. “We have to improve, otherwise it’s over,” he warned. Some saw it as a warning about his own future at the club.
Amorim also singled out Strahinja Pavlovic as the example others must follow in training. Defender Koni De Winter agreed the problem runs deep. “It is about mentality,” he said. “This is our weak point.”
Squad Rotation Under the Spotlight
Amorim made sweeping changes after the derby win over Inter. Only five players kept their places in the starting line-up. Ramos, Rabiot, Musah, De Winter and Diawara were the five who stayed.
Injuries have stretched the squad thin as well. Samuel Chukwueze, Matteo Gabbia, Alexis Saelemaekers, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Fikayo Tomori are all sidelined.
Still, the selection raised questions about Milan’s priorities. Sunday’s Serie A trip to Genoa seemed to matter more. Domestically, that approach is paying off. Milan have lost just once in their first ten Serie A games. They have won six and drawn three in that run. But Europe is a different story, and a club of Milan’s size cannot treat it lightly.
Ferencvaros Keep Making History
For Ferencvaros, this was a landmark night. Balazs Borbely’s side have now won all four of their Europa League games. They sit level on 12 points with leaders Bournemouth. Their run includes a 3-1 win at Celtic and a 4-1 rout of Torreense.
The win also ended a long-running hoodoo. Ferencvaros had never beaten Italian opposition away from home in four previous attempts. It also gives them four straight wins in a major European competition. That last happened in the 1967/68 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup. Back then, they won six in a row on their way to the final.
What Comes Next for Milan?
Milan now face a race against time. The top eight teams qualify directly for the round of 16. Teams finishing ninth to 24th go into the knockout play-offs. Direct qualification already looks out of reach for the Rossoneri. Even a play-off place is far from certain.
Four league-phase games remain. The schedule includes a tough trip to Olympiacos and a home game against Sunderland. The final two fixtures look easier on paper.
Milan have shown they can beat anyone when they are switched on. The derby win over Inter proved that. The challenge for Amorim is finding that level twice a week. If he cannot, Milan’s Europa League journey could end in the league phase.
