Luis Torres
Dailysports's expert
On June 24, 2025, in the third round of the FIFA Club World Cup group C, Benfica will face Bayern Munich. The match is scheduled for 21:00 Central European Time. Let's take a closer look at the teams' attacking potential in this exciting showdown.
Benfica
After a draw in their Club World Cup opener, Benfica delivered a dominant performance in the second round, crushing Auckland City with a resounding 6-0 victory. One of the standout players was Ángel Di María, who netted a brace and climbed into the tournament's top three scorers with three goals to his name.
The team currently sits confidently in second place in the group and has excellent chances of reaching the playoffs. However, the toughest challenge lies ahead: a clash with Bayern Munich. Historically, this opponent has been a real stumbling block for Benfica – the Portuguese side has lost all five of their most recent encounters with the Munich giants.
The win over Auckland restored confidence, but to progress further, Benfica will need another exceptional performance – this time against one of the tournament's main favorites.
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich is among the leading favorites to win the Club World Cup. The Bavarian club has already lifted this trophy twice – in 2013 and 2020, albeit under the old format. Now, with the competition restructured, the German champions are determined to reaffirm their status on the international stage.
The start of the tournament has only underscored their ambitions. In their opener, Bayern left Auckland City no chance, thrashing them 10-0. In the second match, they defeated Boca Juniors 2-1, with goals from Harry Kane and Michael Olise. Olise is currently the tournament's top scorer, boasting 3 goals and 2 assists.
With two wins from two, 6 points, and a goal difference of 12:1, Bayern have already secured top spot in the group and a place in the playoffs. Last season, Bayern also faced Benfica in the Champions League, scraping a narrow 1-0 win.
Probable lineups
- Benfica: Trubin, Barreiro, Silva, Otamendi, Carreras, Aursnes, Sanches, Di María, Kokçu, Aktürkoğlu, Pavlidis.
- Bayern Munich: Neuer, Guerreiro, Stanišić, Tah, Laimer, Kimmich, Goretzka, Coman, Olise, Gnabry, Kane.
Interesting facts and head-to-head
- Benfica are unbeaten in 16 of their last 17 matches.
- Both teams have scored in 5 of Benfica's last 6 matches.
- Bayern have won 6 of their last 7 matches.
- 11 of Bayern's last 12 matches have featured over 2.5 goals.
- Bayern have won 6 of the last 7 head-to-head matches against Benfica.
- 3 of the last 4 meetings between Bayern and Benfica have seen over 2.5 goals.
Benfica vs Bayern Munich prediction
This clash between Bayern and Benfica promises to be entertaining and high-scoring. A draw would be enough for the Portuguese side to reach the playoffs, but they'll need to play bravely and create chances up front. Bayern have already booked their place in the knockout stage, but the German powerhouse is known for never taking their foot off the gas and always playing attacking football. Both teams have plenty of firepower, and the history between these sides, as well as their current form, suggests another goal-filled encounter. Expect an open game with goals at both ends. My bet for this match – both teams to score at odds of 1.75.
