FIFA Club World Cup: Benfica Tops Bayern, Auckland Stuns Boca

In an electrifying Group C match at the FIFA Club World Cup in Charlotte, North Carolina, Benfica pulled off a stunning 1-0 upset against Bayern Munich, securing the group’s top spot and a place in the round of 16. The game, played in scorching 36°C heat, saw Benfica’s Andreas Schjelderup score the only goal in the 13th minute, finishing off a slick pass from teammate Fredrik Aursnes. Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin was the hero for Benfica, making crucial saves, including two against Bayern’s Leroy Sane and a late stop on Harry Kane’s header.

• Benfica Shocks Bayern, Auckland Stuns Boca in Club World Cup Drama
• Underdogs Rise: Benfica Tops Bayern, Auckland Holds Boca in Historic Day
• FIFA Club World Cup: Benfica Clinches Group C, Auckland Earns First-Ever Point

Despite Bayern bringing on heavyweights Kane and Michael Olise at halftime, a disallowed goal by Joshua Kimmich for offside sealed their second-place finish. “This win feels historic,” Benfica coach Bruno Lage said, praising his team’s bold approach. Bayern’s Vincent Kompany admitted the heat was tough, adding, “We stepped up after halftime but couldn’t find the net.”

Over in Nashville, New Zealand’s amateur side Auckland City delivered a shock 1-1 draw against Argentina’s Boca Juniors, even though they were already out of the tournament. Boca took the lead in the 26th minute when Lautaro Di Lollo’s header deflected off Auckland goalkeeper Nathan Garrow for an own goal. But Christian Gray leveled the score in the 52nd minute with a header of his own, marking Auckland’s first goal in the competition. A 40-minute lightning delay disrupted the game, but Auckland’s defense, anchored by Garrow’s nine saves, stood tall against Boca’s 41 shots. “This is a proud moment for Oceania football,” Auckland coach Paul Posa said, celebrating his team’s grit.

Also Read: Inter Miami Secures Club World Cup Knockout Spot in Thrilling Draw Against Palmeiras

Benfica now moves on to face the Group D runners-up, likely Chelsea, in the next round, while Bayern gears up to take on Flamengo in Miami, with a possible quarter-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain on the horizon. Auckland’s draw, after heavy losses to Bayern (10-0) and Benfica (6-0), showcased the heart and unpredictability of the FIFA Club World Cup.