Match preview for Benfica v Bayern Munich
Benfica take on Bayern Munich in their final Group C clash of the Club World Cup, knowing that avoiding defeat will be enough to secure a place in the knockout stage.
After earning four points from two games, Benfica sit second in the group. Bayern, meanwhile, are already through to the next round with six points and only need a draw to finish top.
Bruno Lage’s men were slow to get going against Auckland, only breaking the deadlock in first-half stoppage time, but eventually ran riot with six goals.
This campaign marks Benfica’s debut in the current Club World Cup format, although they featured twice in the former Intercontinental Cup, losing both matches.
Despite a mixed run of recent results – just one win in their last five games across all competitions – Benfica have scored in 17 straight fixtures, netting two or more goals in 13 of those.
Bayern come into this encounter off the back of a hard-fought 2-1 win against Boca Juniors, ending a 10-match unbeaten run for South American clubs in the competition.
Under Vincent Kompany, Bayern are unbeaten in nine, with six wins, and have scored three or more in five of their last seven.
Duel for first place in the group. 💪
On Tuesday, the 3rd group game against Benfica awaits! 👊
Watch live & for free on DAZN: 📺#FCBayern #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld pic.twitter.com/DWKv92Zq2g
— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) June 22, 2025
Team news for Benfica v Bayern Munich
Benfica are expected to field a similar XI to the one that swept past Auckland. Antonio Silva should continue in central defence alongside Nicolas Otamendi, while midfielders Orkun Kokcu and Leandro Barreiro are likely to retain their spots after strong showings.
Angel Di Maria, who scored twice in their last outing, will feature in a potent front four with Vangelis Pavlidis, Kerem Akturkoglu, and Gianluca Prestianni.
For Bayern, Kompany is set to name a strong line-up despite already qualifying. Defenders Josip Stanisic and Jonathan Tah are tipped to start again, while midfield stalwarts Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka could continue their partnership.
Thomas Muller is likely to miss out due to injury, with Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala, and Kingsley Coman expected to play behind leading striker Harry Kane.
Full-time in Orlando! 💪#SLBACFC • #FIFACWC • #TakeItToTheWorld pic.twitter.com/VWQy0W47xW
— SL Benfica (@slbenfica_en) June 20, 2025
Expected line-ups for Benfica v Bayern Munich
Benfica: Trubin; Aursnes, Silva, Otamendi, Carreras; Barreiro, Kokcu; Di Maria, Prestianni, Akturkoglu; Pavlidis
Bayern Munich: Neuer; Laimer, Tah, Stanisic, Guerreiro; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Musiala, Coman; Kane
How to watch Benfica v Bayern Munich: TV channel, online stream
Benfica v Bayern Munich will kick-off at 20:00 in the UK on Tuesday and is available to watch for free on DAZN.
The stats for Benfica v Bayern Munich
- Bayern Munich are unbeaten in their last 7 matches against Benfica, winning 6 and scoring 20 goals
- Benfica have scored in 17 consecutive matches across all competitions
- Bayern have won 6 of their last 7 games, scoring 3 or more goals in 5 of them
- Benfica’s 6-0 win over Auckland City featured 6 big chances created and 0 shots faced from inside the box.
- Bayern became the first team to beat a South American side in the Club World Cup in 10 matches
Prediction
Bayern are expected to rotate lightly but will still aim to top the group. Benfica will want to upset the odds and make this a competitive tie, but Bayern’s firepower may prove too much.
Prediction: Benfica 1-3 Bayern Munich
