Benfica Clash with Bayern Munich: Complete Match Preview and Starting XI Predictions
Bayern Munich have the opportunity to claim full points in Group C as they face European opponents Benfica in their concluding group stage match at the Club World Cup.
Following their dominant double-digit victory over Auckland City, the German champions had to battle harder for their three points in their second fixture. A spectacular individual effort from Miguel Merentiel drew Boca Juniors level after the break, but star performer Michael Olise found the net in the closing stages to seal Bayern's triumph.
Vincent Kompany's squad has already guaranteed their place in the last 16, though an unexpected loss to Benfica in Charlotte would allow the Portuguese side to claim the top position in the group.
Nicolás Otamendi's leveling strike against Boca in the opening match appears set to be decisive in determining which team accompanies Bayern to the knockout phase, with just one point needed on Tuesday for their progression. Nevertheless, should the Germans maintain their strong performance record in this matchup, a significant goal difference swing could put Benfica at risk of early departure.
Auckland will meet Boca in their concluding group encounter following Benfica's six-goal demolition of them in their previous outing.
Here is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview of this Group C encounter at the Club World Cup.
What Time Does Benfica vs. Bayern Munich Kick-Off?
Benfica vs. Bayern Munich Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (all competitions)
Benfica | Bayern Munich |
|---|---|
Benfica 6–0 Auckland City - 6/20/25 | Bayern Munich 2–1 Boca Juniors - 6/20/25 |
Boca Juniors 2–2 Benfica - 6/16/25 | Bayern Munich 10–0 Auckland City - 6/15/25 |
Benfica 1–3 Sporting CP - 5/25/25 | Hoffenheim 0–4 Bayern Munich - 5/17/25 |
Braga 1–1 Benfica - 5/17/25 | Bayern Munich 2–0 Borussia Mönchengladbach - 5/10/25 |
Benfica 1–1 Sporting CP - 5/10/25 | RB Leipzig 3–3 Bayern Munich - 5/3/25 |
How to Watch Benfica vs. Bayern Munich on TV
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United States | DAZN, TUDN.com, Univision NOW, Watch TNT, TUDN App, TNT USA, truTV USA, TUDN USA, UniMás |
United Kingdom | DAZN |
Canada | DAZN |
Mexico | DAZN, tabii |
Benfica Team News
Andrea Belotti continues to serve his suspension for Bruno Lage's team following his red card in the opening match for a dangerous challenge, ensuring Vangelos Pavlidis will almost certainly lead the attack.
Florentino Luís is expected to be unavailable in the middle of the park due to a shoulder problem, and we might witness Renato Sanches regain his place in Benfica's starting formation ahead of Orkun Kökçü. Leandro Barreiro should retain his position after netting twice in quick succession during the second period against Auckland.
The Portuguese club have been missing Alexander Bah and Manu Silva throughout the competition due to ongoing knee problems, while Zeki Amdouni was also excluded from the squad.
Benfica Predicted Lineup vs. Bayern Munich
Benfica predicted lineup vs. Bayern (4-5-1): Trubin; Aursnes, Silva, Otamendi, Carreras; Di María, Sanches, Prestianni, Barreiro, Aktürköglu; Pavlidis
Bayern Munich Team News
Kompany has fielded two formidable starting lineups to begin the competition, and no alterations are anticipated for Tuesday's encounter.
Changes from the Boca Juniors victory will probably be minimal, particularly with Jamal Musiala sustaining a minor injury as a substitute. Although the German talent participated fully in Sunday's training session and appears ready for selection, he's unlikely to earn a starting berth.
Kim Min-Jae is recovering from an Achilles problem and may feature later this summer. Jonathan Tah has been selected for Bayern's opening two group matches since his transfer from Bayer Leverkusen.
Olise delivered an outstanding performance in the second fixture and formed an excellent partnership with the tireless Konrad Laimer on the right flank.
Bayern Munich Predicted Lineup vs. Benfica
Bayern predicted lineup vs. Benfica (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Laimer, Tah, Upamecano, Guerreiro; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Müller, Coman; Kane.
Benfica vs. Bayern Munich Score Prediction
Benfica's historical record against Bayern is disappointing, with their winless streak reaching 13 matches following last season's 1–0 loss in Munich.
The Portuguese side may be more motivated, but their primary objective will be preventing Bayern from pulling away. Even with a defeat, Boca might fail to do enough against Auckland to overtake them for second place.
Lage's team have shown improvement in both second halves of their matches thus far, and despite the clear quality difference between these sides, Bayern are unlikely to completely control proceedings. Benfica will compete fiercely against stronger opponents, though they'll need the New Zealanders to suffer their most comfortable loss of the tournament to progress.