Benfica secured a significant 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich in a sweltering Club World Cup clash in Charlotte, North Carolina. The win saw the Portuguese side top Group C, while Bayern finished as runners-up, with both teams successfully navigating their way into the knockout stages.
The match at Bank of America Stadium was played under gruelling conditions, with temperatures soaring to around 40C (104F) throughout, a persistent challenge in many of the tournament’s early kick-offs. The intense heat became a major talking point, even dominating the German language commentary.
Coping with the Heat: A Major Battle
Players and staff alike struggled to manage the extreme temperatures. Bayern’s unused substitutes sought refuge from the sun, watching the game from the changing room, while players on the bench huddled in the dugout during drinks breaks. Bayern forward Harry Kane was notably seen utilizing an ice bucket to cool down.
The heat was also potentially linked to a concerning incident in the first half when Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni went down without contact after carrying the ball from his own half. He received treatment with water, a cold towel, and ice before bravely continuing and completing the match.
The challenging conditions sparked debate about the scheduling of matches in such climates, raising questions about future major tournaments like the World Cup. While significant infrastructure changes aren’t feasible overnight, experts argue that avoiding kick-off times during the hottest parts of the day should be a priority, even if it means impacting television schedules and appeasing European broadcasters with later viewing times. The precedent of the 1994 World Cup match in Florida, also played in over 40-degree heat, was cited not as a reason to accept the conditions, but as historical evidence that adaptation is overdue.
Benfica’s Tactical Discipline Seals the Win
Despite not being considered favorites, Benfica delivered a tactically astute performance under head coach Bruno Lage. They secured the win through a first-half goal by 21-year-old Andreas Schjelderup, assisted by an overlapping run from Fredrik Aursnes in the 13th minute.
After taking the lead, Benfica focused on defensive compactness, often operating in a 4-4-2 shape out of possession that could shift to a 4-5-1 to condense space. Full-back Aursnes and veteran centre-back Nicolas Otamendi were key to this approach, stepping out to press and ensuring the central areas remained secure. While Bayern’s rotated side lacked rhythm, Benfica’s discipline and defensive durability, particularly impressive given the energy sapping heat, were commendable. Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin was a standout performer, making a series of crucial saves throughout the match, including a vital one-on-one stop against Leroy Sane late on, helping to preserve the clean sheet. Benfica adopted a deep 5-4-1 formation in the closing minutes to protect their lead, seeing out eight minutes of added time.
Bayern’s Auditions: Bischof and Olise Impress
For Bayern Munich, the match offered insights into squad depth under Vincent Kompany. With Jamal Musiala unavailable, 20-year-old Tom Bischof, a recent free transfer from Hoffenheim and a promising German talent, was handed his first Bayern start. He occupied the advanced midfield role typically filled by Musiala, a “useful experiment” for Kompany as Bayern has previously lacked a central creative alternative when Musiala isn’t playing. Bischof’s performance in a “low-key” setting was described as largely good, showcasing some quick pirouettes and a sharp pass. This indicates Kompany’s trust in him in a more forward role, addressing a potential squad depth issue, even if Bischof might feature deeper next season.
Another Bayern player who made a significant impact was Michael Olise. Coming on as a half-time substitute, despite not being initially expected to feature, the French international immediately became the most threatening player on the pitch. His cameo was a masterclass in attacking flair, demonstrating delicate touches, the ability to cut inside or drive to the byline, flicks, nutmegs, and stepovers. Olise proved equally capable of carrying the ball forward when given space or threading difficult passes when marked tightly. His ability to beat defenders with body feints alone, like a hip swivel that almost sent his marker out of the stadium, highlighted his exceptional talent and made him a joy to watch.
Looking Ahead
With their places in the knockout rounds secured, Benfica will face the runners-up from Group D in Charlotte on Saturday, June 28th. Bayern Munich, having finished second, face a tough tie against Group D winners Flamengo in Miami on Sunday, June 29th. The defeat also carried a financial consequence for Bayern, reportedly costing them €1.74 million in prize money by finishing second rather than first.
