Benfica secured a historic 1-0 victory against Bayern Munich in their Club World Cup Group C match held on June 24, 2025, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. This win marked Benfica's first-ever triumph over the German giants in 13 meetings in European competition, breaking a long-standing curse. The victory propelled Benfica to the top of Group C, a significant achievement in the newly formatted 32-team tournament held in the United States.
The decisive goal came early in the 13th minute, courtesy of Andreas Schjelderup, a 21-year-old who finished off an excellent team move. Schjelderup's composed finish proved to be the difference, as Benfica's defense, led by inspired goalkeeper Anatolii Trubin, resolutely kept Bayern Munich at bay. Trubin's performance was crucial, as he made a series of important saves to deny Bayern's potent attack.
Bayern Munich, managed by Vincent Kompany, entered the match having already secured their place in the next round after a 2-1 victory over Boca Juniors and a dominant 10-0 win against Auckland City. Despite Kompany making six changes to the starting lineup, Bayern struggled to break down Benfica's organized defense. In the second half, Kompany introduced key players such as Harry Kane, Joshua Kimmich, and Michael Olise to inject more firepower into the attack. While Bayern controlled the game for extended periods, their finishing lacked precision, and Trubin's heroics ensured Benfica maintained their lead.
Benfica's path to this victory included a commanding 6-0 win over Auckland City. This win, combined with the crucial victory over Bayern, demonstrates Benfica's strong form in the Club World Cup. Meanwhile, Boca Juniors, also in Group C, faced a tougher road, depending on a significant win in their final match and a Bayern Munich victory over Benfica to advance. Ultimately, Benfica's win dashed Boca Juniors' hopes of progressing to the next round.
With this result, Benfica advances to the next stage of the Club World Cup as Group C winners. They are set to face Flamengo in the next round, while Bayern Munich, finishing as runners-up in the group, will play against either Chelsea or Tunis. This Club World Cup result is a significant milestone for Benfica, a club with a rich history. Founded in 1904, Benfica has won a record 38 Portuguese league titles and 26 cup titles. In the 1960s, led by the legendary Eusébio, the club enjoyed a golden era, winning the European Cup twice. However, a supposed curse has prevented them from winning major continental titles since then. While fans believe this jinx doesn't affect everything, this victory over Bayern Munich could signal a turning point for the club on the international stage.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, hosted across 11 cities in the United States, features 32 teams competing in a revamped format. The tournament is seen as a prelude to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The Club World Cup showcases top talents from around the globe, including stars like Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, and others who are expected to play significant roles in the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
