Sizzling Defeat: Bayern Burned by Benfica in Club World Cup Clash
Bayern Munich's campaign is plagued by inconsistent performances and costly errors attributable to the team's malfunctioning dampers.
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link Heatwave Loss: Bayern's sluggish performance against Benfica sees them trail for most of the game before succumbing to a 1-0 defeat in the Club World Cup in Charlotte. Despite waking up after the break, the Munich side fail to capitalize on their chances. A costly group win is surrendered - eager opponents await.
It was a grueling night for Harry Kane and his teammates as they trudged off the pitch after the disheartening 0:1 defeat against Benfica Lisbon. In the blistering heat of the Charlotte furnace, the Germans squandered the valuable group win in the Club World Cup. Bayern appeared too lethargic for one half, eventually succumbing to the nearly unbearable temperatures and only securing a spot in the round of 16 as the second team in Group C.
Following their first defeat in a Club World Cup, the Brazilian traditional club Flamengo awaits them on Sunday (8:00 PM CET/DAZN, Sat.1, and in the ntv.de live ticker) in Miami Gardens, who also bested FC Chelsea in Group D (3:1). The quarter-finals might bring a clash with Champions League winner Paris Saint-Germain or Inter Miami, featuring world star Lionel Messi.
The Norwegian Andreas Schjelderup (13.) earned Benfica their first win against Bayern in 14 encounters. After the unfortunate substitution of the unlucky debutant Tom Bischof in the second half, the Munich team fought back but missed numerous opportunities. Leroy Sané missed countless times from close range, while the team's steadfast captain Manuel Neuer kept them in the game during the first half.
Football Neuer Spills it Out How a Generation Played “Donkey Kong” due to Manuel Neuer’s Dominance ## Heatwave misery
Soaring temperatures of up to 42 degrees Celsius, a parched pitch: The conditions at the Bank of America Stadium were brutal. "I'm not looking for excuses," admitted Bayern coach Vincent Kompany, "but these conditions will affect the match. I already have it in my mind that it won't be as easy as it might seem at home."
Consequently, the Belgian made seven changes compared to the 2:1 win against Boca Juniors. The newcomers, including Bischof, were supposed to "inject energy." Stalwarts such as Joshua Kimmich, Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala, or Harry Kane could initially remain on the bench, enjoying the cool air of the dressing room while watching the game on TV.
Outside, Benfica set the tone against a bewildered Bayern defense. Bayern captain Manuel Neuer managed to parry a shot from the veteran Ángel Di María (9). However, when Sacha Boey dozed off in the defense, Schjelderup finished from close range.
Football Near Misses: Bayern's Half-time Adjustments not Enough After the Break ## Bayern's defensive missteps
Kompany, despite the harsh sunlight, continued to remain his usual dark self, urging his team on in vain. The Munich team worked collectively too slow, every errant ball picked off by the opponent. Technical errors occurred as well. Even after a water break midway through the first half, the players showed signs of exhaustion. Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni collapsed in exhaustion (37), but recovered after brief treatment.
Right before the whistle blew for halftime, Bayern had their best chance of the match: After delightful build-up play from Serge Gnabry, Sané fired the ball just over the goal (44.). At the restart, Kompany brought on Kimmich, Olise, and Kane, with Bischof making way. instantly, the team improved, with tackles contested more fiercely. Kimmich shone as a playmaker, Sané (51.) missed another chance. On the other side, Neuer also saved against Kerem Aktürkoglu (56.). The supposed equalizer by driving Kimmich (61.) didn't count due to an offside call on Kane.
Bayern later tightened the screws on Benfica, managed the circumstances, and tried relentlessly. However, Sané (87.), following Kane's pass, once again found his match in the strong goalkeeper Anatolij Trubin.
Source: ntv.de, dbe/sid
- FC Bayern Munich
- Benfica Lisbon
- Club World Cup 2025
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive, as national sports leagues such as football's Champions League and European leagues discuss the impact of extreme weather conditions on player safety during the Club World Cup. In a previous match, Benfica Lisbon managed to shut out FC Bayern Munich with an impressive 1-0 victory, despite Bayern having 66% possession and Andreas Schjelderup scoring the winning goal after a defensive blunder.
