Already through to the knockout stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Bayern Munich can seal first place in Group C by avoiding defeat against Benfica on Tuesday in Charlotte, North Carolina (kick-off: 3pm EDT / 9pm CEST).
Group Stage Recap
Bayern’s victories over Auckland City and Boca Juniors have already booked their place in the Round of 16. A draw or win against Benfica in this final group-stage clash will ensure top spot for the reigning Bundesliga champions.
With qualification secured, head coach Vincent Kompany must weigh his selection choices carefully. Jamal Musiala, who recently returned from injury, limped off with a calf issue in the 2-1 win over Boca. However, the Auckland City hat-trick hero returned to training on Sunday and is expected to be available in some capacity for the clash at Bank of America Stadium.
Musiala currently shares the tournament top scorer spot, joined by Michael Olise, who has also contributed two assists in the U.S. tournament.
Confidence High for Bayern
Harry Kane, now off the mark in the competition, is expected to lead the line again. Team captain Manuel Neuer reflected on their form:
“We’re glad to have started with six points. We go into the match against Benfica with a good feeling. We are one of the favourites for this tournament.”
Benfica Eager to Challenge
On the other side, Benfica’s Ángel Di María has also netted three times in the competition—all from the penalty spot—including a brace in their emphatic 6-0 victory over Auckland City. The 37-year-old veteran is hungry to topple Bayern and finish top of the group.
“After the draw with Boca, I said we had two key games left. We beat Auckland, now we want to beat Bayern and take the six points to qualify,” said the World Cup-winning Argentine.
However, Benfica face key absences. Midfielder Florentino is out with a shoulder injury, while Andrea Belotti remains suspended (pending appeal) following a red card against Boca. Renato Sanches, a former Bayern player, is expected to feature.
Head-to-Head & Stats
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Bayern are undefeated in 13 matches against Benfica (10 wins, 3 draws).
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Musiala scored the only goal in their last meeting (Champions League, Nov 2024).
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Bayern have scored 20 goals and conceded just once across six Club World Cup games.
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The German giants won the tournament in 2013 and 2021.
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Thomas Müller and Manuel Neuer are among the players still with the club from both previous triumphs.
Probable Lineups
Benfica:
Trubin – Aursnes, António Silva, Otamendi (c), Carreras – Di María, Renato Sanches, Prestianni, Barreiro, Aktürkoğlu – Pavlidis
Out: Belotti (suspended), Florentino (shoulder)
Coach: Bruno Lage
Bayern Munich:
Neuer (c) – Laimer, Tah, Upamecano, Guerreiro – Kimmich, Goretzka – Olise, Müller, Coman – Kane
Out: Buchmann (shoulder), Davies (knee), Dier (transfer), Ito (metatarsal)
Doubtful: Kim (achilles)
Coach: Vincent Kompany
 SL BenficaBayern Munich 
June 25, 2025
1 - 0Full Time |
Benfica secured a historic 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich in their final Group C match at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, held on June 24 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. This win marked Benfica’s first-ever competitive triumph over Bayern in 14 encounters.
Match Highlights
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Goal: Andreas Schjelderup scored the decisive goal in the 13th minute, capitalizing on a low cross from Fredrik Aursnes.
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Benfica’s Performance: Despite having only 27% possession and fewer shots on target than Bayern, Benfica’s defense held firm. Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin delivered a standout performance, making crucial saves to preserve the lead.
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Bayern’s Efforts: Bayern dominated possession with 73% and created several chances, including a disallowed goal by Joshua Kimmich due to an offside position. Leroy Sané also had opportunities but was thwarted by Trubin.
Group C Standings
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Benfica: 7 points (1st place)
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Bayern Munich: 6 points (2nd place)
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Boca Juniors: 1 point
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Auckland City: 0 points
Knockout Stage Matchups
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Benfica: Advances to face Chelsea or Esperance de Tunis in the Round of 16.
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Bayern Munich: Moves on to play Group D winners Flamengo in the Round of 16.
Details
| Date | Time | League | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 25, 2025 | 3:00 am | FIFA Club World Cup | 2025 |
Results
| Team | 1st Half | Goals | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| SL Benfica | 1 | 1 | Win |
| Bayern Munich | — | 0 | Loss |
