Live Blog! Bayern vs Benfica in the FIFA Club World Cup
Benfica scores first and Boca needs a miracle!
Benfica chasing a spot in the next round!
Bayern unveils their starting XI!
Despite a narrow 2-1 loss to Bayern Munich, Boca Juniors still has a shot at reaching the Round of 16 in the Club World Cup. To advance, the Argentine side must defeat Auckland City by a large margin and hope the Germans beat Benfica in the final matchday of Group C. It’s a challenging scenario—but not an impossible one.
Boca battled until the end, but a late goal from Michael Olise in the 84th minute secured the win for the Bavarians. With the victory, Bayern clinched their spot in the next round, though head coach Vincent Kompany insisted his team won’t ease up for the final group match. “It’s absolutely impossible not to go for the win. We’ll give 100%. No discussion,” he said after the match.
Bayern vs Benfica, a match that could decide it all
The upcoming clash between Bayern Munich and Benfica, set to take place in Charlotte, will be crucial for the group’s outcome. Although Bayern has already advanced, Kompany’s commitment to winning offers hope for Boca Juniors, who need the German side to triumph to stay alive.
All eyes are also on the fitness of Jamal Musiala, who suffered a muscle injury again during the match against Boca. The young German star had just returned from a two-month layoff and scored three goals in his previous appearance against Auckland City, but he was forced off the field with clear discomfort, sparking concern in the Bayern camp.
Meanwhile, Benfica enters the final round with momentum after thrashing the New Zealanders 6-0 in a match disrupted by a long weather delay. Manager Bruno Lage saw his team struggle in the first half but bounce back strongly in the second, led by Ángel Di María and Vangelis Pavlidis, who delivered a commanding performance that boosted Benfica’s chances.
Group C will be decided in a tense final round. Boca must score big and hope Benfica falls to Bayern to sneak into the top 16. The Germans hold the key, and the Argentines can only hope for a miracle.
