The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is heating up as Group C prepares for a decisive showdown between two European giants, Benfica and Bayern Munich. With the final group stage match looming, both teams are poised to battle it out in the United States for a spot in the knockout rounds, making this clash one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament.
Bayern Munich currently leads Group C with a perfect record of two wins and six points, having already secured their place in the Round of 16. However, the Bavarian powerhouse aims to clinch the top spot in the group, which requires them to at least draw against Benfica. A point from this encounter would guarantee their position at the summit, allowing them to carry momentum into the next stage.
On the other side, Benfica finds themselves in a critical position. Sitting second in the group with four points, the Portuguese side must claim victory to keep their hopes alive for advancing to the knockout phase. A win would not only boost their chances but also secure the top spot in Group C, putting them in an advantageous position moving forward. Should Benfica falter, Argentina's Boca Juniors will seize the opportunity to advance, provided they can overcome New Zealand’s Auckland City, who have struggled defensively after conceding six goals early on in the tournament.
Benfica’s squad boasts a blend of defensive grit and attacking flair. Anchoring the backline are Antonio Silva and the experienced Nicolas Otamendi, whose leadership has been vital in maintaining defensive stability. Upfront, the attack is orchestrated by Angel Di Maria, who has already netted two goals in the competition. Supporting him are young talents Gianluca Prestianni and Benjamin Rollheiser, both contributing to Benfica’s potent offensive threat. Despite a sluggish start against Auckland City, Benfica roared back with a commanding 6-0 victory, signaling their intent in the competition.
Though Benfica has managed only one win in their last five matches, their offensive consistency remains impressive. The team is riding a 17-game scoring streak, with 13 of those matches featuring at least two goals scored. This attacking prowess will be crucial against a Bayern side known for their own firepower.
Bayern Munich’s lineup for the clash sees the return of veteran Thomas Müller, who has recovered from injury and is expected to start. However, key players like Jamal Musiala and Harry Kane are being rested for this fixture as part of coach Vincent Kompany’s rotation strategy. Kompany’s management has been effective, with Bayern on a nine-game unbeaten streak under his guidance. Their recent form is formidable, having scored three or more goals in five of their last seven matches, underscoring their offensive capabilities.
The Bayern squad features Manuel Neuer guarding the goal, with a defensive line composed of Sacha Boey, Dayot Upamecano, Josip Stanisic, and Raphaël Guerreiro. The midfield trio includes Joao Palhinha, Tom Bischoff, and Aleksandar Pavlovic, while the attack is spearheaded by Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sané, and Thomas Müller.
One notable absence from Bayern’s lineup is Kim Min-jae, the South Korean defender who has recently returned to training after battling Achilles tendonitis since October last year. Despite his return to practice, Kim is not yet match-fit and has been excluded from the squad for this match. His recovery timeline suggests that while he may miss the Club World Cup games, there remains hope for his participation in the knockout stages should his rehabilitation progress swiftly.
Benfica’s probable starting eleven is expected to be: Trubin in goal; Aursnes, Antonio Silva, Otamendi, and Dalot forming the defensive line; Florentino and Renato Sanches controlling the midfield; with Di Maria, Prestianni, Sholderup, and Rollheiser leading the attack.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich’s anticipated lineup includes Neuer as goalkeeper; Boey, Upamecano, Stanisic, and Guerreiro in defense; Palhinha, Pavlovic, and Bischoff in midfield; and Sane, Gnabry, and Müller upfront.
Beyond Group C, the tournament’s other groups are also witnessing intense competition. In Group D, Flamengo has secured their spot in the next round with two dominant victories, accumulating six points. The remaining qualification spot is contested between Chelsea from England and Tunisia’s Espérance de Tunis. Both teams have three points, but Chelsea holds a slight edge in goal difference. The decisive match between these two will determine who joins Flamengo in the knockout phase, with Chelsea needing only a draw, while Espérance must win to progress.
Returning to the Benfica vs. Bayern clash, the stakes could not be higher. Benfica’s ambition to continue their impressive scoring streak and secure a knockout berth contrasts with Bayern’s desire to maintain their unbeaten run and claim the group’s top position. The tactical battle between Kompany’s disciplined Bayern and Benfica’s blend of experience and youthful energy promises to be compelling.
With the match set in the United States, fans from across the globe are eagerly awaiting this high-stakes encounter. Both teams have shown resilience and quality throughout the tournament, and this final group stage game will be pivotal in shaping the path forward in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
As the kickoff approaches, all eyes will be on Angel Di Maria’s creativity and goal-scoring, the defensive solidity of Silva and Otamendi, and whether Thomas Müller’s return can inspire Bayern’s attack. Equally, the absence of Kim Min-jae will be a factor for Bayern’s defense, testing their depth and tactical adaptability.
The outcome of this match will ripple through the tournament’s narrative, potentially altering the dynamics of the knockout rounds. Whether Benfica can seize the moment or Bayern will assert their dominance remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is delivering thrilling football drama.
