On a blistering Tuesday evening in the U.S., under 97°F (36°C) heat, Benfica and Bayern Munich battled for supremacy in Group C at the FIFA Club World Cup. The Portuguese side snatched a 1-0 victory, thanks to a cool finish by attacker Andreas Schjelderup in just the 13th minute.
From the whistle, Benfica pressed high, and Schjelderup ghosted into the box to slot past the goalkeeper, leaving the German champions chasing the game. Despite their pedigree, Bayern looked sluggish, unable to fully exploit their attacking firepower – even after deploying all five substitutions at halftime, including stars Harry Kane, Joshua Kimmich and Konrad Laimer.
The match not only halted Bayern's unbeaten run but also reshuffled Group C standings: Benfica soared to the top, Bayern slipped to second, and Boca Juniors exited the competition without a win.
For sports fans and global citizens alike, this encounter was a masterclass in strategy under extreme conditions. Benfica’s organized defense stood firm, while Bayern’s high-pressure approach fell short, setting the stage for a high-stakes knockout phase.
Stay tuned as the tournament shifts into its knockout rounds, where form, fitness and tactical nous will define who lifts the trophy.
Reference(s):
Benfica edge Bayern Munich 1-0 to top Group C at FIFA Club World Cup
cgtn.com
