Benfica Pulls Off Historic Upset Against Bayern Munich in Club World Cup
In a match that defied expectations and rewrote history, Benfica secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over German giants Bayern Munich in their final 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Group C fixture. Played under scorching heat in Charlotte, North Carolina, the win not only earned Benfica top spot in the group but also marked their first-ever competitive win against Bayern Munich.
The result sends Benfica into the knockout stage as Group C winners, while a frustrated Bayern finishes as runners-up. This outcome has significant implications for the bracket, notably setting up a potential Round of 16 clash between Benfica and Chelsea, assuming the English side secures its expected second-place finish in Group D.
Early Strike and Heroic Defense Seal the Win
The decisive moment arrived early in the contest. In the 13th minute, Benfica’s Norwegian midfielder Andreas Schjelderup capitalized on a precise low cross from Fredrik Aursnes, finishing from close range to give the Portuguese side a surprising lead.
After taking the lead, Benfica adopted a disciplined defensive stance, particularly in a challenging second half as Bayern pressed relentlessly for an equalizer. The standout performer for Benfica was undoubtedly goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. Named man of the match, Trubin delivered a masterclass in goalkeeping, making a string of crucial saves against efforts from Bayern attackers like Aleksandar Pavlovic and Leroy Sané to preserve the clean sheet.
Bayern Struggles in the Heat and Misses Chances
The match conditions were a major talking point, with temperatures soaring to 36°C (97°F) and affecting players from both sides. Cooling breaks were implemented, and Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni even required medical attention and was substituted due to heat-related issues.
Bayern Munich, who had already secured qualification before the match, started with a significantly rotated squad. Despite introducing key players like Harry Kane, Joshua Kimmich, and Michael Olise in a mass substitution at halftime, they struggled to find their usual rhythm, especially in the first half. Bayern did find the net through Joshua Kimmich in the 61st minute, but the goal was controversially disallowed as Harry Kane was judged to be in an offside position and interfering with Trubin’s line of sight.
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany acknowledged the difficult conditions and his team’s missed opportunities, stating they were “punished for their inefficiency.” Conversely, Benfica manager Bruno Lage expressed satisfaction with the “very good” first half performance and the importance of topping the group, calling it validation for his team’s efforts.
Knockout Stage Implications and Other Group Action
By winning Group C, Benfica is positioned to face the runner-up of Group D (likely Chelsea). Bayern Munich, finishing second, will face the winners of Group D, Flamengo, in their Last 16 tie, scheduled to be played in Miami. The group standings also reportedly cost Bayern approximately €1.74 million in prize money compared to finishing first.
The Benfica-Bayern clash wasn’t the only Group C match of note. In another surprising result, Auckland City, the tournament’s only amateur side, held South American powerhouse Boca Juniors to a 1-1 draw. This outcome was widely seen as a “humbling” exit for Boca Juniors and highlighted Auckland City’s disciplined performance.
The result underscores the unpredictable nature of football and sets the stage for compelling knockout rounds in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
