Bayern Munich Comes Up Short Vs. Benfica 1-0 | 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Highlights
Benfica vs Bayern Munich
In a display of resilience and tactical nous that will echo through the annals of the Club World Cup, Benfica stunned Bayern Munich with a 1-0 victory on Tuesday, propelled by Andreas Schjelderup’s early strike in oppressive, almost suffocating heat. The result not only marked Benfica’s inaugural triumph over the German juggernaut but also catapulted the Portuguese side to the coveted top spot of Group C, defying a historical record against Bayern that had been nothing short of dismal. The sweltering conditions, coupled with a pitch that seemed to conspire against fluid football, posed significant challenges for both teams, yet it was Benfica who rose to the occasion with a performance that blended youthful exuberance with steely determination. Schjelderup’s goal, a moment of clinical precision, set the tone for a match that showcased Benfica’s ability to seize opportunities against one of Europe’s most formidable sides. This victory now sets the stage for a tantalizing last-16 encounter against either Chelsea or Esperance de Tunis, while Bayern, relegated to second place, brace for a daunting clash with Group D leaders Flamengo. The outcome sent ripples through the tournament, serving as a stark reminder that in football, reputation alone is not enough to secure victory when faced with a team as hungry and cohesive as Benfica.
The match unfolded under a relentless sun, with the heat sapping energy and testing the endurance of players accustomed to more temperate climates. Bayern, having already secured their place in the knockout rounds, opted for a rotated lineup, a decision that Bayern coach Vincent Kompany later admitted may have contributed to their lackluster first-half display. “I think our first half wasn’t good at all. With the pitch and the heat, I just feared this wouldn’t go as fluid as normal,” Kompany told DAZN, his tone reflecting a mix of frustration and pragmatism. The pitch, patchy and unforgiving, disrupted Bayern’s usual rhythm, while the heat seemed to dull their sharpness in the final third. It was in this context that Benfica struck, capitalizing on a rare defensive lapse from the Germans just 13 minutes into the game. Fredrik Aursnes, marauding down the right with purpose, delivered a low cross that sliced through Bayern’s backline like a knife through butter. Schjelderup, displaying the composure of a seasoned striker despite his youth, met the ball with a first-time finish that left Bayern’s goalkeeper rooted to the spot. The goal was a testament to Benfica’s aggressive intent and their ability to exploit fleeting moments of vulnerability in an otherwise formidable opponent, setting the stage for a first half in which they dictated the tempo and created the clearer chances.
Bayern’s rotated squad, featuring several players on the periphery of the starting XI, struggled to find their footing in the opening exchanges. Kompany’s decision to rest key starters was a calculated risk, but it left Bayern vulnerable to Benfica’s high-pressing, energetic approach. The Germans’ passing was uncharacteristically sloppy, and their attempts to breach Benfica’s well-drilled defense were repeatedly snuffed out. Kompany later reflected on his team’s inefficiency, stating, “It’s football. If you have chances and don’t take them, you pay the price... [against Flamengo] it’s going to be a tough game. We know we can create chances.” His words carried a hint of optimism but also an acknowledgment that Bayern’s profligacy could prove costly in the knockout stages. The second half saw a reinvigorated Bayern, with Joshua Kimmich briefly igniting hopes of a comeback when he found the net, only for the goal to be disallowed due to Harry Kane’s offside position. The decision, while correct, added to Bayern’s mounting frustration, as they began to assert themselves but found Benfica’s resolve unyielding. The Germans’ improved performance after the break was undeniable, yet their inability to convert pressure into goals underscored the fine margins that define matches of this magnitude.
At the heart of Benfica’s defensive masterclass was goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, whose string of breathtaking saves earned him the man-of-the-match accolade and cemented his status as a rising star. Trubin’s performance was a study in focus and athleticism, as he repeatedly denied Bayern’s attacking threats with reflexes that bordered on the superhuman. Aleksandar Pavlovic and Leroy Sané, two of Bayern’s most potent weapons, were left exasperated by Trubin’s heroics, with the Ukrainian goalkeeper producing sharp saves that preserved Benfica’s slender lead. “It was a good game against an amazing team, it was not only me, it was the whole team,” Trubin said post-match, his modesty belying the pivotal role he played in securing the victory. The heat, which he described as “extremely hot,” posed an additional challenge, yet Trubin and his teammates remained unflinching, their commitment to the cause unwavering. His performance was emblematic of Benfica’s collective spirit, a team that refused to be intimidated by Bayern’s pedigree and instead leaned on their unity and work rate to achieve the unthinkable. Trubin’s emergence as a key figure in this victory highlighted Benfica’s depth and their ability to rely on young talents to deliver in pressure-cooker moments, a quality that could prove invaluable as they navigate the knockout rounds.
Benfica’s manager, Bruno Lage, was effusive in his praise for his team, particularly given the historical context of their encounters with Bayern. Prior to this match, Benfica’s record against the Bavarians stood at a sobering no wins, three draws, and 10 losses, a statistic that had cast a long shadow over their preparations. Yet Lage’s side approached the game with a boldness that belied their underdog status, a confidence born of recent form and meticulous planning. “The first half was very good, we created the best chances to score. We wanted to be aggressive, and we finished first in the group, and the feeling is good,” Lage said, his pride in his team’s achievement palpable. He went on to underscore the significance of topping Group C, a feat that had been overlooked amid speculation about other teams’ permutations. “We finished first, and it means a lot for us. People need to believe more in the work we are doing. They were speaking about Boca needing to win by a lot of goals [to advance], and they forgot about this game. No one believed we were going to win against Bayern.” Lage’s words were both a celebration of his team’s triumph and a challenge to skeptics, urging them to recognize the potential of a Benfica side that is growing in stature with each passing match.
This victory was more than just a result; it was a statement of intent from a Benfica side determined to make their mark on the global stage. Schjelderup’s goal, Trubin’s saves, and Lage’s tactical acumen combined to produce a performance that will be remembered as a defining moment in Benfica’s Club World Cup campaign. The challenges ahead, whether against Chelsea’s Premier League pedigree or Esperance de Tunis’s North African tenacity, will test Benfica’s mettle, but this win has instilled a belief that they can compete with the best. For Bayern, the defeat serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of complacency. Kompany’s side will need to regroup quickly if they are to overcome Flamengo, a team known for their attacking flair and passionate support. The Brazilian outfit will present a different kind of challenge, one that will demand the intensity and clinical edge that Bayern lacked on Tuesday. As the tournament progresses, Benfica’s triumph over Bayern stands as a testament to the power of belief, preparation, and opportunism, a reminder that in football, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome with the right mix of talent and determination.
