By Sachit Subba • Football • Jun 25, 2025 02:05 AM • 122 views
In the sweltering summer heat of Charlotte, North Carolina, Benfica delivered a seismic shock at the Club World Cup on Tuesday, defeating German heavyweights Bayern Munich 1-0 thanks to a composed first-half finish from Andreas Schjelderup.
The victory, Benfica's first-ever over the Bavarian giants, lifted the Portuguese champions to the summit of Group C and secured a pivotal last-16 clash against either Chelsea or Esperance de Tunis. Bayern, despite the loss, also advanced to the knockout stage, where they are slated to meet Group D leaders Flamengo — a daunting assignment intensified by growing doubts over their consistency.
Schjelderup's decisive moment came in the 13th minute. Pouncing on a lapse in Bayern's backline discipline, the Norwegian teenager met Fredrik Aursnes' incisive low cross with a clinical first-time finish, leaving Bayern keeper Daniel Peretz rooted.
"We showed character and composure," Schjelderup said post-match. "Against a team like Bayern, you have to take your chances — and we did."
The German champions, already assured of progression, fielded a rotated side and appeared off the pace from the outset. Their first-half performance was startlingly subdued, registering zero shots on target. Coach Vincent Kompany pointed to the conditions and lack of intensity.
"With the pitch and the heat, it was never going to be fluid," Kompany admitted to the press. "We didn't start well, and when you don't convert your chances, you get punished. Flamengo is a tough draw — no question — but we're not out of this."
Bayern's second-half revival brought more urgency. Joshua Kimmich thought he had equalized just past the hour mark, only to see his effort chalked off due to Harry Kane straying offside in the buildup. It was a cruel blow in a match where clear-cut opportunities were at a premium.
Benfica's Anatoliy Trubin, named Man of the Match, stood tall — both literally and figuratively — producing a string of vital saves to deny Aleksandar Pavlovic and Leroy Sane in the closing stages. The Ukrainian international was a wall in goal, ensuring his side's slender advantage held firm through a tense final quarter.
"It wasn't just me," Trubin said humbly. "It was the whole team. Yes, it was unbelievably hot, but we kept our heads and did what we came here to do."
As the final whistle blew, Benfica's players celebrated a win that will resonate well beyond the group stage. For Bayern, a wake-up call. For Benfica, a declaration of intent.
The Club World Cup has just been put on notice.
