Benfica Stun Bayern Munich to Top Group C at Club World Cup

Benfica delivered a historic performance on Tuesday, defeating Bayern Munich 1-0 in Charlotte to claim the top spot in Group C of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The victory, secured in sweltering conditions at Bank of America Stadium, marks Benfica’s first-ever win over the German giants in 14 official meetings and sends the Portuguese side into the knockout rounds as group winners.

Match Summary

The decisive moment arrived early: in the 13th minute, Andreas Schjelderup finished off a sharp move, converting Fredrik Aursnes’ low cross after a lapse in Bayern’s defense. Bayern, already assured of qualification, fielded a rotated lineup and struggled to match Benfica’s intensity in the first half. The German champions improved after the break, with Joshua Kimmich having an equalizer ruled out for offside and Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin making several crucial saves to preserve the lead.

Historic Achievement

This result not only breaks Benfica’s long-standing winless streak against Bayern but also propels them to the top of Group C with seven points—one ahead of Bayern. Benfica will now face Chelsea in the last 16, while Bayern are set to meet Flamengo, the Group D leaders.

Manager’s Reaction

Benfica manager Bruno Lage praised his team’s belief and composure:

“We approached this match with a great deal of confidence. The first half was impressive; we created the most significant scoring opportunities. Our intention was to be assertive, and finishing first in the group feels rewarding. Securing the top spot is significant for us. It’s essential for people to have more faith in the efforts we are putting forth.”

Looking Ahead

With this famous victory, Benfica have announced themselves as serious contenders in the expanded Club World Cup, while Bayern must regroup before their high-profile knockout clash.

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