In a surprising turn of events at the FIFA Club World Cup, Portuguese giants Benfica secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over German champions Bayern Munich on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. The decisive goal from Norwegian talent Andreas Schjelderup in the first half was enough to see Benfica top their group and hand Bayern their first defeat of the tournament.
The highly anticipated clash, which took place at the Bank of America Stadium, saw both European powerhouses enter the match with their places in the knockout stages already secured. However, the top spot in the group, and a potentially more favorable last-16 draw, was still very much on the line.
Benfica started the match with a clear intent, pressing high and disrupting Bayern's rhythm. Their early aggression paid off in the 13th minute when a well-worked move down the right flank culminated in a precise cross that found Andreas Schjelderup. The young forward made no mistake, coolly finishing past the Bayern goalkeeper to give his side a deserved lead.
Despite boasting a star-studded lineup, Bayern Munich struggled to find their usual clinical edge. Manager Vincent Kompany opted to rest some key players, but even the introduction of stalwarts in the second half couldn't break down a resolute Benfica defense. The Portuguese side, led by the experienced Nicolás Otamendi, remained organized and disciplined throughout the encounter, frustrating the Bavarian attack at every turn.
The second half saw Bayern increase the pressure, dominating possession and creating several scoring opportunities. However, a combination of determined defending and some wayward finishing meant they were unable to find an equalizer.
With this victory, Benfica finishes as the winner of their group, setting up a potentially more favorable path in the knockout rounds. While Bayern Munich also progresses, their second-place finish means they could face a tougher opponent in the next stage of the expanded 32-team tournament.
The result sends a strong message to the rest of the competition that Benfica are a force to be reckoned with, capable of upsetting the established order on the world stage. For Bayern, the defeat will serve as a wake-up call as they look to regroup and mount a serious challenge for the coveted Club World Cup trophy.
