BENFICA STUN BAYERN MUNICH 1-0 TO TOP CLUB WORLD CUP GROUP C
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Agency Report
Benfica delivered a historic 1-0 victory over German champions Bayern Munich on Tuesday to secure top spot in Group C of the Club World Cup and book a place in the tournament’s last 16.
The Portuguese side, needing at least a draw to progress and eliminate Boca Juniors, found the breakthrough in the 13th minute through Norwegian winger Andreas Schjelderup, who finished clinically after a smart pullback from Frederik Aursnes.
The win marks Benfica’s first-ever competitive triumph over Bayern Munich, who had never lost to the Lisbon club until now. Bayern, despite the defeat, still advance to the round of 16 as group runners-up and will face Brazilian giants Flamengo.
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany fielded a heavily rotated side, making seven changes from the team that defeated Boca Juniors in their previous match. Only Manuel Neuer, Josip Stanisic, Raphael Guerreiro, and Serge Gnabry retained their starting spots.
Benfica took advantage of Bayern’s lack of cohesion early on, with former Bayern player Renato Sanches forcing Neuer into an early save before Schjelderup’s goal.
Bayern struggled to find rhythm in the first half, managing just one real chance when Leroy Sane fired over the bar after a setup from Gnabry.
At halftime, Kompany introduced Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Joshua Kimmich in a bid to spark a comeback. The changes revitalized Bayern, with Sane going close and Kimmich having a goal ruled out after Kane was deemed offside in the buildup.
Ukrainian goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin was a standout performer for Benfica, pulling off several key saves — including denying Thomas Müller and rushing out to thwart Sane late in the game.
Kane missed a golden opportunity deep into stoppage time, misjudging a close-range header that would have drawn Bayern level and restored their grip on first place.
Benfica will now face the runner-up from Group D, either Chelsea or Esperance, in the next round, while Bayern prepare for a showdown against Flamengo.
AFP
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