Match Preview: Benfica vs Bayern Munich
Date: June 24, 2025
Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
Kick-off: 21:00 local time
The spotlight will be firmly on Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium as Benfica and Bayern Munich face off in a high-stakes Group C encounter at the FIFA Club World Cup. Both sides have impressed in the group stage thus far, and while Bayern have already secured a place in the knockout phase, Benfica are just one point away from following suit.
However, the task won’t be easy for the Lisbon giants. Roger Schmidt’s men will be without several key players—Andrea Belotti remains suspended, while defenders Bah, Araujo, and Manu are sidelined through injury. Despite a commanding 6-0 victory over Auckland City, their thrilling 2-2 draw against Boca Juniors revealed defensive vulnerabilities that Bayern are sure to exploit.
Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich are targeting top spot in Group C and are likely to rotate slightly given their qualification. The German side edged Boca Juniors 2-1 in their last match, but lost veteran Thomas Müller to injury. His absence, however, opens the door for the dynamic Jamal Musiala to shine, while Harry Kane will continue to lead the line and remain the central attacking threat.
Though both clubs possess immense attacking firepower, the shared stakes of qualification could foster a tactical deadlock. A draw would see both teams through to the knockout stages—an outcome both managers might be content with.
Prediction:
Scoreline: 2-2 Draw
With so much at stake and considering the balance of power and potential squad rotations, a high-scoring draw appears the most likely outcome.
🔥 Player to Watch: Harry Kane
Widely regarded as one of the best strikers of his generation, Harry Kane has seamlessly transitioned from Premier League superstar to Bayern Munich’s talisman. After his prolific spell at Tottenham Hotspur, where he scored over 20 goals in multiple seasons, Kane continues to deliver in Germany and on the international stage. His intelligent positioning, powerful finishing, and ability to link play make him a constant threat—expect him to be at the center of the action in this pivotal fixture.
🦅 Team Focus: Benfica
Benfica, one of Portugal’s "Big Three," remain a powerhouse of domestic and European football. With a rich history, including two European Cup titles and a record haul of Primeira Liga championships, the Eagles are renowned for their youth development and attacking philosophy. Legends like Eusébio, Rui Costa, and Ángel Di María have all donned the red shirt, and the current squad will be eager to write their own chapter in the club's storied legacy with a deep Club World Cup run.
