Benfica stunned Bayern Munich 1-0 on Tuesday, June 24, to top Group C at the FIFA Club World Cup. The Portuguese side secured their place in the last 16 with a narrow victory over the German champions at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Andreas Schjelderup scored the decisive goal in the 13th minute, capitalizing on a lapse in Bayern’s defense. Fredrik Aursnes delivered a low cross from the right, which Schjelderup finished with a first-time effort. This early goal gave Benfica the momentum they needed to see off the challenge from Bayern.
Bayern, who had already secured a spot in the knockout stage, fielded a rotated lineup under coach Vincent Kompany. However, this tactical decision seemed to affect their performance, particularly in the first half. Kompany introduced star players like Joshua Kimmich, Michael Olise, and Harry Kane at halftime, but they couldn’t break down Benfica’s defense.
Kimmich thought he had equalized in the 61st minute with a precise strike, but it was disallowed due to Kane’s offside position, obstructing goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin’s line of vision. Trubin was instrumental in preserving Benfica’s lead, making crucial saves to deny Aleksandar Pavlovic, Leroy Sane, and Thomas Muller.
The match was played in sweltering heat, with temperatures reaching 97 degrees Fahrenheit (36 Celsius). Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni was attended to by medical staff due to heat-related issues and was replaced in the 55th minute.
Match Stats:
- Score: Benfica 1, Bayern Munich 0
- Goal: Andreas Schjelderup (13th minute)
- Possession: Bayern 73%, Benfica 27%
- Shots: Bayern 13, Benfica 7
- Shots on Target: Bayern 4, Benfica 4
What’s Next:
Benfica’s victory means they will face either Chelsea or Esperance de Tunis in the last 16, while Bayern Munich will take on Group D leaders Flamengo. Benfica’s Anatoliy Trubin was named man of the match for his exceptional goalkeeping, while Schjelderup’s early goal proved to be the turning point in the game.¹ ² ³
