Benfica need just a single point against the in-form Bayern Munich to qualify for the Club World Cup Round of 16 — a feat they’ve never achieved before. After a commanding 6-0 win over Auckland City, Bruno Lage’s side sits second in Group A with four points.
Bayern, having won both their matches, are already through, but the top spot is still in play. For Benfica, this is not just about moving forward — it’s about respect, energy, and changing their story in the world.
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Group A Drama: Bayern Already Through, But Benfica Want History
Yes, you heard that right! Benfica — a club once synonymous with European dominance — is now one draw away from breaking new ground in the Club World Cup. After obliterating Auckland City 6-0, the Eagles soared to second in the standings.
Yet, it wasn’t all smooth flight. They struggled to score until the eighth minute of stoppage time in the first half, but once the deadlock broke, they turned into predators, creating six big chances and shutting out their opponents entirely.
Manager Bruno Lage has already etched his name in club history books by guiding the team into the modern Club World Cup, a step up from their previous failed attempts in the now-defunct Intercontinental Cup. But finishing second in the Primeira Liga two seasons in a row isn’t enough — he wants more.
Bayern: Business as Usual, but Kompany Won’t Let Up
Bayern Munich don’t do soft landings. Vincent Kompany’s side, fresh from a 2-1 win over Boca Juniors, became the first team in ten games to down South American opposition in this tournament.
Efficient and ruthless, they fired 11 shots with 4 on target — a drop from their Bundesliga averages but enough to get the job done. Kompany remains unbeaten in his last nine, winning six of those.
Likewise, his side have scored three or more in five of their last seven games. Even without Thomas Muller — who’s sidelined with injury — the firepower remains frightening.
Jamal Musiala, Michael Olise, and Kingsley Coman look set to line up behind Harry Kane. The German machine rolls on, and topping the group ensures an easier knockout path.
[TRENDING] Benfica’s Firepower Is Back — But Is It Enough?
Benfica have now scored in 17 consecutive matches and bagged at least twice in 13 of those. Di Maria, Pavlidis, Akturkoglu, and Prestianni are combining well, giving defenders nightmares.
But form remains patchy — only one win in five before facing Auckland. That said, they’ve only lost once in that stretch. Defensively, Otamendi’s leadership and Antonio Silva’s youthful grit provide stability.
Barreiro and Kokcu look sharp in midfield, but the question remains: can they handle Bayern’s high-octane pressure for 90 minutes?
Predicted Lineups
| Benfica | Bayern Munich |
| Trubin | Neuer |
| Aursnes – Silva – Otamendi – Carreras | Laimer – Tah – Stanisic – Guerreiro |
| Barreiro – Kokcu | Kimmich – Goretzka |
| Di Maria – Prestianni – Akturkoglu | Olise – Musiala – Coman |
| Pavlidis | Kane |
🔴⚪️ Angel Di Maria (37) and Benfica will face Bayern Munich today. 🔜
Throwback to his performance in 2021 against the German side. 🇦🇷🥶 pic.twitter.com/5BE4tU3NdH
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) June 24, 2025
Amit Mishra’s Angles & Commentary
As a writer and die-hard football journalist and enthusiast: Benfica is doing well in this competition — they are not just here to fill space. Their strong play is back right when it’s needed, and Bruno Lage’s brave style should be recognised.
But on defence, there are still problems. Playing against a team like Bayern, who work together with great skill and effort, needs more than just passion. It needs perfect planning.
Good things:
- Benfica’s attack is working well again.
- Old stories make them want to succeed
- Lage’s brave ideas are working well.
Bad things:
- Not steady before the Auckland game.
- Weakness against strong teams that press hard, like Bayern.
- Not enough strength if the first team has a hard time.
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