Benfica Tops Club World Cup Group C with Bayern Upset

Benfica shocked Bayern Munich with a 1-0 victory to top Group C at the 2025 Club World Cup, securing a spot in the Round of 16 where they are set to face Chelsea or Esperance de Tunis. Andreas Schjelderup scored the decisive goal early in the match, and despite Bayern's second-half pressure, Benfica goalkeeper Anatolii Trubin made crucial saves to preserve the lead. Benfica manager Bruno Lage urged fans and critics to have more faith in the team's work, highlighting that their success came from consistent effort across all matches, not just the big wins. Lage emphasized the importance of believing in the club's president, directors, coaching staff, and players, calling for respect after this landmark win—their first official victory over Bayern after a history of losses and draws. Bayern coach Vincent Kompany acknowledged the tough conditions, including intense heat, which affected his team's fluidity and led to tactical substitutions. Bayern must now face Group D winners Flamengo, with a potential Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain awaiting in the quarterfinals.