Benfica Upsets Bayern Munich to Win Group C at FIFA Club World Cup
SL Benfica pulled off a stunning victory against FC Bayern Munich, winning 1-0 and securing the top spot in Group C at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™. The match, held at Bank of America Stadium on June 24, featured a first-half goal from Andreas Schjelderup and a stellar performance from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.
Benfica took the lead early in the 13th minute when Schjelderup skillfully finished a cross from Gianluca Prestianni, placing the ball inside the left post past Bayern’s Manuel Neuer. Despite dominating possession in the first half, Bayern struggled to convert their chances, with their best opportunity coming just before halftime when Leroy Sane missed a golden chance from inside the box.
In a bid to turn the tide, Bayern coach Vincent Kompany made three substitutions at halftime, introducing Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Joshua Kimmich. The changes paid off almost immediately, as Bayern put pressure on Benfica’s defense, forcing Trubin into several crucial saves in the second half.
Benfica’s coach Bruno Lage responded by bringing on midfielder Orkun Kokcu and Kerem Akturkoglu, who nearly doubled the lead with a close-range effort that Neuer managed to deflect away.
Bayern thought they had equalized in the 61st minute when Kimmich found the back of the net, only for the goal to be disallowed due to Kane being offside. The German champions continued to press, with Trubin making an impressive save against Aleksandar Pavlovic’s strike in the 75th minute and another critical stop against Sane in the 87th minute.
With this victory, Benfica finished the group stage with two wins and a draw, earning seven points and setting up a knockout round clash against the Group D runners-up on June 28. Bayern, despite the loss, secured a place in the last 16 and will face Group D winners CR Flamengo in Miami on June 29.
Post-Match Reactions
Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin was elated after the match, stating, “It was a good game against an amazing team. We gave everything today to win, and we did our job to go to the next round.”
Bayern’s Manuel Neuer reflected on the game, saying, “We didn’t play with the same intensity in the first half as we did in the second. That was our mistake. We also missed a lot of chances. My opponent did a great job.”
Thomas Muller added, “Our second half was very good. We created a lot of chances after the break, but we missed a few clear opportunities. In the end, that’s football.”
Vincent Kompany, Bayern’s head coach, acknowledged the team’s shortcomings and praised Benfica’s performance. “We knew we’d be facing either Flamengo or Chelsea, so it was going to be a tough game either way,” he said.
Trubin was named the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match for his outstanding display in goal, which was crucial in helping Benfica secure their place in the knockout rounds of the tournament.
