Benfica Beat Bayern to Top Group C in Club World Cup

Zuleihat Ahmed

12 hours ago

Portugal’s Benfica has defeated German champions Bayern Munich 1-0 to book their place in the last 16 of the Club World Cup and finish top of Group C. Bayern, who had never lost to Benfica in a competitive game before, finish second in the group and will face Brazil’s Flamengo in the last 16. Benfica will face the runner-up in Group D, which will be either Chelsea or Esperance.

The match was played in intense heat, which affected the tempo of the game, with both teams playing at a slow pace and conserving energy. Benfica took the lead in the 13th minute when Frederik Aursnes got to the byline and pulled the ball back to Norwegian winger Andreas Schjelderup, who met it with a first-time effort that he buried into the bottom corner.

Benfica Beat Bayern to Top Group C in Club World Cup — The match was played in intense heat, which affected the tempo of the game, with both teams playing at a slow pace and conserving energy. Benfica took the lead in the 13th minute when Frederik Aursnes got to the byline and pulled the ball back to Norwegian winger Andreas Schjelderup, who met it with a first-time effort that he buried into the bottom corner.

Bayern had one opportunity before the break when Serge Gnabry pulled the ball back to Leroy Sane, but the former Manchester City winger fired high over the bar. Bayern’s coach, Vincent Kompany, made seven changes to his starting lineup, which showed in a sloppy first-half display. However, he made a triple substitution at the break, bringing on Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Joshua Kimmich.

Suddenly, Bayern looked dangerous, but Ukrainian goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin was in inspired form, keeping out a dangerous effort from Thomas Muller and denying Sane and Kane. Despite their efforts, Bayern could not score, and Benfica held on for the win.

With this victory, Benfica finishes top of Group C, while Bayern finishes second. The win sets up a last-16 match for Benfica against the runner-up in Group D.