Benfica secured a historic 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich in Group C of the FIFA Club World Cup on Tuesday, marking their first-ever win over the German giants.
Andreas Schjelderup scored the only goal of the match in the 13th minute at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, sealing top spot for the Portuguese side and setting up a potential clash with Chelsea in the last 16.
The crucial goal came early when Fredrik Aursnes split the Bayern defence with a precise pass, finding Schjelderup, who finished confidently to give Benfica the lead.
Despite Bayern’s best efforts to respond, they were repeatedly thwarted by Benfica’s resilient backline and impressive goalkeeper Anatolii Trubin, who made key saves throughout the second half.
Bayern had numerous chances to equalise, particularly in the closing stages, as Harry Kane and Leroy Sané were both denied. Sané missed a golden opportunity late on after being set up by a sublime Kane pass, only to be stopped by Trubin’s reflexes.
In a last-ditch effort, Bayern threw men forward but failed to break down a stubborn Benfica defence that held firm under immense pressure.
The result means Benfica finish Group C as leaders, with Bayern also progressing as runners-up. Benfica now await a last-16 showdown, while Bayern are set to meet South American champions Flamengo in what promises to be a thrilling knockout round.
Bayer Munich finished second in group C with six points after their big margin 10-0 win over Auckland City FC and 2-1 win over Boca Juniors while Benfica topped the group with two wins and a draw with their 2-2 stalemate against Boca Junior.
Wednesday’s games at the club world cup will see Borussia Dortmund face South Korean side Ulsan HD while Brazilian league club Fluminense will play against South African side Mamelodi Sundowns who are nicknamed Brazilians.
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