Portuguese giants Benfica secured a resounding 6-0 victory over a resilient but ultimately outclassed Auckland City FC in their FIFA Club World Cup group stage encounter on Friday, June 20, 2025. The match, held at Orlando's Inter&Co Stadium, was marked by a lengthy weather delay and a dominant second-half performance from the European side.
The floodgates opened late in the first half, with Argentine star Ángel Di María converting a penalty in the eighth minute of stoppage time to give Benfica a 1-0 lead heading into a prolonged halftime break caused by a severe thunderstorm.
Following the nearly two-hour delay, Benfica returned to the pitch with renewed vigor. The Portuguese side relentlessly pressured the Auckland defense, and their efforts paid off in the 53rd minute when Vangelis Pavlidis doubled their advantage.
The goals continued to flow for Benfica as Renato Sanches found the net in the 63rd minute. A quick-fire brace from Leandro Barreiro in the 76th and 78th minutes further extended their lead, before Di María sealed the comprehensive victory with his second penalty of the night in the dying moments of the match.
Despite the lopsided scoreline, Auckland City, the representatives from Oceania, displayed commendable spirit and defensive organization in the first half, frustrating the Benfica attack for large periods. However, the professional outfit's quality and fitness ultimately proved too much for the amateur side from New Zealand.
The victory places Benfica in a strong position in their group as they continue their campaign for the FIFA Club World Cup title.
