Benfica beat Bayern Munich to top Group C and book Club World Cup last-16 spot
A disciplined and determined Benfica side pulled off a significant upset at the FIFA Club World Cup, defeating German champions Bayern Munich 1-0 on Tuesday to claim top spot in Group C and secure a place in the Round of 16. The Portuguese giants not only advanced but also eliminated Boca Juniors, who were banking on a Benfica loss in their own clash against Auckland.
For Bayern, the loss marked their first competitive defeat to Benfica in club history. Despite already securing qualification to the knockout phase prior to kickoff, the result demoted the Bundesliga powerhouse to second place in the group, setting up a high-stakes clash with Brazilian champions Flamengo in the next round.
Schjelderup’s early strike sinks rotated Bayern
Benfica entered the encounter knowing a draw would suffice, but they showed no signs of complacency from the opening whistle. Their positive start was rewarded in the 13th minute when Frederik Aursnes whipped in a low cross after a marauding run down the left flank. Andreas Schjelderup, the 20-year-old Norwegian winger, was alert and clinical, slotting home a first-time finish into the bottom corner past Manuel Neuer.
That goal would prove decisive.
Despite sweltering conditions that sapped the game’s tempo, Benfica’s shape and organization limited Bayern to speculative efforts for much of the first half. Serge Gnabry set up Leroy Sané for the Bavarians’ best opportunity before the interval, but the winger blazed over from a promising position.
Kompany rings changes — but Benfica hold firm
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany had initially opted for rotation, making seven changes to the side that beat Boca Juniors in their previous outing. Only Neuer, Josip Stanišić, Raphaël Guerreiro, and Gnabry retained their spots. But after a tepid first-half performance, Kompany introduced Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Joshua Kimmich at the break.
The changes sparked urgency. Kimmich nearly turned provider immediately, finding Sané with a long diagonal ball, but Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin stood tall and denied him in a one-on-one duel.
Bayern threw everything forward in the second half, including efforts from Thomas Müller and Kane, but Trubin was in unbeatable form, making critical saves throughout. A late Kimmich goal was disallowed due to Kane standing offside in the keeper’s line of vision, and deep into stoppage time, the England captain misjudged a header from close range that could have changed the outcome.
What it means: Benfica’s statement of intent
This win marks a turning point for Benfica on the global stage. After a turbulent domestic season and under new management, the Lisbon-based club is sending a clear message — they are no longer underdogs. With Group C honors secured, Benfica now faces the runner-up from Group D — either Chelsea or Esperance — in what promises to be a tightly contested Round of 16 tie.
Meanwhile, Bayern’s path becomes trickier. Falling short of top spot means a clash with South American juggernauts Flamengo, who have looked potent throughout the group phase.
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Man of the Match: Anatoliy Trubin
The 22-year-old Ukrainian shot-stopper was immense between the posts, making five critical saves and commanding his area with authority. His performance was a masterclass in composure under pressure, especially against a surging Bayern attack in the final 30 minutes.
Next Matches
Benfica vs. Chelsea/Esperance – Round of 16
Bayern Munich vs. Flamengo – Round of 16
Both fixtures are scheduled for this weekend as the Club World Cup knockout stage kicks off with a bang.
SportsLigue