Benfica secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich in a sweltering FIFA Club World Cup Group C clash on Tuesday, with 19-year-old Norwegian forward Andreas Schjelderup scoring the decisive goal in the 13th minute. The win propels the Portuguese side to the top of their group, while Bayern drop to second place and Boca Juniors face elimination.
Played under intense heat reaching 36°C (97°F), the match saw Benfica's disciplined defense withstand a second-half onslaught from Bayern, who deployed star substitutes including Harry Kane and Joshua Kimmich at halftime. Despite controlling 68% possession and launching 15 shots, the German champions failed to break through Benfica's defensive lines.
The result marks Bayern's first tournament loss and raises questions about squad rotation strategies, with only four starters retained from their previous win against Boca Juniors. Benfica's victory underscores their growing reputation as a breeding ground for young talent, with Schjelderup's clinical finish highlighting their counterattacking prowess.
All eyes now turn to Thursday's knockout stage draw, where Benfica could face Asian champions Urawa Reds while Bayern prepare for a must-win match against Egypt's Al Ahly.
