Benfica defeat Bayern to finish top of Group C in the Club World Cup, sealing a last 16 place after Andreas Schjelderup’s early goal in a 1–0 win

Benfica defeat Bayern Munich 1–0 to secure top spot in Group C and advance to the last 16 of the Club World Cup. The Lisbon giants produced a disciplined display in intense heat and claimed a deserved win over the German champions at a crucial moment.

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The result means Bayern, who had never previously lost to Benfica in a competitive match, finish second in the group and must now face Brazilian side Flamengo in the next round. Benfica will take on the Group D runner-up, which will be either Chelsea or Tunisia’s Esperance.

With Bayern already assured of qualification, head coach Vincent Kompany made seven changes to his starting line-up, a decision that appeared to affect the team’s rhythm. Benfica, needing at least a draw to eliminate Boca Juniors, started with intensity and quickly gained control of midfield.

The breakthrough came in the 13th minute when Frederik Aursnes raced to the byline and delivered a low cross. Andreas Schjelderup was first to react and drilled his shot into the bottom corner past Bayern’s veteran keeper Manuel Neuer.

“We knew it wouldn’t be easy, but we stayed disciplined and took our chance when it came,” said Schjelderup, whose goal proved decisive in a game where opportunities were limited.

Bayern’s best chance of the first half fell to Leroy Sane, but the winger blazed his effort over the bar after good work from Serge Gnabry. At half-time, Kompany responded by introducing Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Joshua Kimmich in a triple substitution that shifted the momentum in Bayern’s favour.

Kimmich immediately made an impact, picking out Sane with a long ball over the top. But Ukrainian goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin denied him in a one-on-one situation. Trubin continued to impress, saving well from Thomas Muller and reading the game smartly to cut out danger as Bayern pressed for an equaliser.

Bayern thought they had levelled when Kimmich fired home from the edge of the box, but Kane was ruled offside for obstructing the goalkeeper’s view. Despite further chances, including a mis-timed header from Kane in stoppage time, Benfica held firm.

The result reflects the changing dynamics of the tournament, as European giants face increasing challenges from well-organised teams outside the traditional elite.

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Benfica’s victory not only sees them finish above Bayern but also boosts their confidence as they progress further in the competition.