Bayern Munich vs SL Benfica: Club World Cup Showdown Preview

On Tuesday, June 24, 2025, two European heavyweights collide in Group C of the FIFA Club World Cup, as two-time champions Bayern Munich take on debutants SL Benfica. Bayern arrive having already secured their spot in the Round of 16 with a game to spare, while Benfica know that avoiding defeat will guarantee progression on their maiden CWC campaign. Both sides have recorded resounding victories against Auckland City—the Germans routing them 10–0, and the Portuguese running out 6–0 winners—making this final group match a tantalizing battle for top spot and momentum heading into the knockout phase.

Match Details

• Date & Time: Tuesday, June 24, 2025 | 3:00 pm local (EST)
• Venue: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
• Broadcast / Streaming: Live on DAZN USA (try for free).

Group C Standings & Stakes

Benfica currently sit second in Group C, three points clear of third-placed Boca Juniors thanks to a +7 goal difference edge, but must beat Bayern to leapfrog them in the standings. A draw is enough for the Germans to finish first, while a surprise Benfica victory would see them top the pool at Bayern’s expense. Auckland City have already been eliminated after heavy defeats, leaving both sides focused squarely on each other. Benfica’s 15-match unbeaten run in 90-minute football (W10, D5) fuels their confidence, but Bayern’s historic pedigree and superior goal return make for a high-stakes decider.

Historical Rivalry

Heading into this fixture, Bayern Munich boast an unblemished record against Benfica, remaining unbeaten in all 13 official meetings (W10, D3), including a 1–0 win in last season’s Champions League group phase. Bayern have won the last five encounters in succession, never conceding defeat to the Portuguese at club competition level. This dominant head-to-head underscores the psychological edge the Bundesliga giants carry into the clash, though Benfica’s recent form suggests they will be no pushover.

Current Form & Key Statistics

• Benfica:
  • Unbeaten in their last 15 matches in 90 minutes across all competitions (W10, D5).
  • Scored 6–0 against Auckland City on Matchday 2 to extend momentum.
  • Conceded only 1 goal in their CWC campaign so far and can progress with a clean sheet.
• Bayern Munich:
  • Six wins in their last seven outings, including a record 10–0 CWC win over Auckland City and a hard-fought 2–1 victory against Boca Juniors.
  • Scored 2+ goals in each of their last nine matches, demonstrating consistent attacking firepower.
  • Hold a perfect 6–0 record in historical Club World Cup fixtures.
• Head-to-Head Season Stats:
  • Benfica have conceded an average of 2.77 goals per game in their 13-match winless run against Bayern.
  • Bayern have scored 2+ goals in their last nine outings across all competitions.

Team News & Injury Updates

• Benfica:
  • Captain and centre-back Nicolás Otamendi marshals a back four that has proven stingy, but suspended forward Andrea Belotti will miss out after a straight red card on Matchday 1.
  • Ángel Di María leads the line in attack, having netted three times in the tournament, while key defender Tomas Araujo is sidelined through injury.
• Bayern Munich:
  • Head coach Vincent Kompany has already confirmed a desire to field a strong XI, making selective rotations only once a clear lead is established.
  • Young centre-back Jonathan Tah partners Josip Stanišić in fabrication of a rock-solid defence, with Raphael Guerreiro filling in at left-back in the absence of Alphonso Davies (ligament damage) and Hiroki Ito (knock).
  • Jamal Musiala trained in full on Sunday and is in contention, but is more likely to feature off the bench given a slight knock.

Predicted Lineups

Based on recent team news, form, and tactical considerations, the likely starting XIs are:

• SL Benfica (4-3-3):
  Trubin; Aursnes, António Silva, Otamendi (c), Dahl; Renato Sanches, Florentino, Barreiro; Di María, Pavlidis, Aktürkoglu
• FC Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1):
  Neuer (c); Laimer, Tah, Stanisic, Guerreiro; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Olise, Müller, Coman; Kane.

Kompany’s midfield pivot of Kimmich and Pavlovic offers both defensive cover and creative thrust, while the attacking trio of Olise, Müller, and Coman supports record-breaker Harry Kane up front. Benfica’s blend of experience in Otamendi and Di María, plus the youthful spark of Pavlidis, promises a dynamic challenge.

Key Players to Watch

• Ángel Di María (Benfica):
  The veteran winger has three goals in two CWC appearances but seeks his first strike against Bayern in nine career meetings. His vision and set-piece mastery will be vital if Benfica are to find a route past Neuer.
• Michael Olise (Bayern Munich):
  The English-born winger has netted in six consecutive games for Bayern, chipping in with assists in five of those outings. His positioning on the right flank poses a constant threat.
• Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich):
  The German metronome’s range and passing acuity will be pivotal in controlling midfield if Bayern are to dominate possession and dictate tempo.

Tactical Outlook

Benfica typically set up in a 4-3-3, seeking to overload midfield with Renato Sanches and Florentino and spring Di María into space on the left. Their plan will hinge on quick transitions and exploiting the channels behind Bayern’s full-backs. Conversely, Kompany’s Bayern employ a 4-2-3-1 shape, with Kimmich and Pavlovic providing a shield for the back-line, while the front four of Olise, Musiala, Coman, and Kane aim to stretch and unpick Benfica’s defence. Set-pieces could prove decisive: Bayern have averaged over two goals per game this season, while Benfica’s resilience in CWC play has been built on a sturdy defensive base

Prediction & Betting Tips

With Bayern requiring only a draw to top the group, they are favorites to progress in style. However, Benfica’s attacking red-hot form and defensive solidity cannot be underestimated. A cautious approach by Bayern early on could invite Benfica pressure, setting the stage for a tightly contested opening 45 minutes. Expect goals in both halves, but Bayern’s depth and experience give them the edge—a 2–1 victory for Bayern Munich seems plausible, while over 2.5 goals also offers value given both sides’ recent scoring exploits. Backing both teams to score may well hit given Benfica’s attacking freedom and Bayern’s relentless forward thrust.