In Charlotte, North Carolina, the clash between Benfica and Bayern Munich in the FIFA Club World Cup group stage, on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, remains intense in the second half, with the score at 1-0 for the Portuguese side. A disallowed goal by Joshua Kimmich, at the 15th minute of the second half, marked the match played under 36°C heat at Bank of America Stadium. Benfica, who took the lead with Andreas Schjelderup in the first half, resists Bayern’s pressure, as the Germans dominate possession but struggle against Anatolii Trubin’s saves. The game, valid for the third round of Group C, determines positions that could alter knockout stage matchups, including a potential clash with Flamengo.
The match began evenly, with Benfica surprising by taking the initiative. Schjelderup, at the 12th minute of the first half, capitalized on a cross from Barreiro to slot the ball past Manuel Neuer, securing the partial lead. Bayern, despite holding 71% possession in the first half, struggled to create clear chances, while the intense heat affected players, notably with Prestianni of Benfica requiring medical attention at the 38th minute after feeling unwell.
In the second half, substitutions on both sides ramped up the pace. Bayern, with the introduction of Kimmich, Kane, and Olise, increased their pressure, but Kimmich’s disallowed goal, due to Kane’s offside, sparked protests. Benfica, meanwhile, bolstered their defense and relied on Trubin’s stellar performance to maintain the lead.
- Key moments of the first half:
- 8’: Di María shoots from outside the box, but Neuer makes a great save.
- 12’: Schjelderup scores for Benfica after a cross from Barreiro.
- 18’: Renato Sanches receives a yellow card for a hard foul on Müller.
- 38’: Prestianni, affected by the heat, is attended to on the field.
- 47’: Müller misses a clear chance, shooting weakly after a cross from Sané.
Bavarian pressure and Portuguese resilience
Bayern Munich, led by Vincent Kompany, fielded a mixed squad, resting starters like Harry Kane and Joshua Kimmich initially, but this did not hinder their ball possession. However, a lack of precision in finishing has been their biggest hurdle. Sané, at the 43rd minute of the first half, squandered a chance by blasting the ball over after a move by Gnabry. In the second half, Kimmich’s entry added dynamism, but the disallowed goal at the 15th minute highlighted the referee’s attention to fine details.
Benfica, on the other hand, relies on defensive solidity and counterattacks. Otamendi, despite an early second-half yellow card, has been pivotal in defense, while Di María, though not at his brightest, creates dangerous plays. The Portuguese side, coming off a 6-0 win over Au
Timeline: Key moments of the match
The match has been defined by high-intensity moments shaping the current scoreline. Below are the main events up to the 19th minute of the second half:
- 12’ (1H): Schjelderup opens the scoring for Benfica with a low shot.
- 38’ (1H): Prestianni receives medical attention due to intense heat.
- 5’ (2H): Trubin makes two consecutive saves, stopping shots from Sané and Pavlovic.
- 10’ (2H): Neuer shines, saving a low shot from Kökçü in the box.
- 15’ (2H): Kimmich’s goal is disallowed due to Kane’s offside, sparking Bayern protests.
Harsh conditions in Charlotte
The 36°C heat at Bank of America Stadium has a direct impact on the teams’ performance. Beyond Prestianni’s incident, the match saw a hydration break in the first half at the 29th minute, common in games under high temperatures. Benfica’s players, in particular, seem more affected by fatigue, while Bayern, with a deeper squad, pushes a faster pace to wear down their opponents.
The crowd, including American fans and supporters of both European teams, creates a vibrant atmosphere, though the heat also affects the stands. Tournament organizers provided hydration stations for spectators, a well-received measure in a global event like the Club World Cup.
Implications for the standings
The current result keeps Benfica atop Group C with seven points, while Bayern, with six, seeks at least a draw to reclaim the lead. The final group position is crucial, as the second-placed team will face Flamengo, leaders of Group D, in the round of 16. Boca Juniors, with just one point, need an unlikely thrashing of Auckland City to overtake Benfica, who hold a significant goal difference advantage.
Bayern, despite the mixed lineup, shows strength, but a lack of cohesion at times is evident. Kompany, who rotated the squad after two wins in earlier rounds, now faces the need to adjust to avoid surprises. Benfica bets on tactical consistency and the individual talent of players like Di María and Schjelderup to hold the scoreline.
Standout performers on the pitch
Several players have shone in the match, either through decisive actions or notable moments:
- Anatolii Trubin (Benfica): The goalkeeper has been crucial, with key saves against Sané and Pavlovic in the second half.
- Andreas Schjelderup (Benfica): The young midfielder, scorer of the goal, shows opportunism and precision.
- Manuel Neuer (Bayern): Despite conceding, the captain made tough saves, like Kökçü’s shot at the 10th minute of the second half.
- Joshua Kimmich (Bayern): Entered in the second half and nearly equalized, only for his goal to be ruled out.
- Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica): Solid in defense but must be cautious after a yellow card.
Tactical balance and what lies ahead
The match remains open, with Bayern pressing for an equalizer and Benfica exploiting counterattacks. Kimmich’s disallowed goal added more drama, as the Germans intensified their attacking plays, while the Portuguese tightened their marking. Bayern’s possession, which hit 71% in the first half, remains high, but finishing efficiency is a challenge.
Benfica, with a well-defined tactical setup, prioritizes defensive compactness and quick transitions. Kökçü’s entry in the second half added creativity to the midfield, while Bayern’s substitutions, like Kane and Olise, boost their attacking threat. The match promises decisive moments in the final minutes, with both teams vying to solidify their group positions.
