Sizzling Defeat for FC Bayern: Sluggish Performance Costs Group Win Against Benfica Lisbon at the Club World Cup
Unbearable heat and humidity troubling FC Bayern Munich
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Last Match Result: In the scorching heat of Charlotte, a lifeless FC Bayern trails Benfica Lisbon for most of the game, ultimately falling behind by a single goal. Only after the break do the Munich side regain momentum, but they fail to convert their chances, losing the group win.
Harry Kane and the team trudged off the pitch, exhausted after enduring the fiery match in Charlotte. With the 0-1 (0-1) defeat against Benfica Lisbon, FC Bayern squandered the crucial group win in the Club World Cup. The Munich side, who struggled against the relentless heat for one half, were forced to bow to their opponents. They move forward to the round of 16 as the second-placed team in Group C.
Following their initial loss in a Club World Cup match, they now face formidable rivals Flamengo in Miami Gardens on Sunday (10:00 PM CET/DAZN and Sat.1), who also defeated FC Chelsea in Group D (3-1). In the quarter-finals, they could encounter Champions League champions Paris Saint-Germain or Inter Miami and world star Lionel Messi.
The Norwegian Andreas Schjelderup (13') secured Benfica's first victory against Bayern in their 14th encounter. After the unfortunate debut of Tom Bischof was cut short in the second half, the Munich side fought back but missed several brilliant opportunities. The departing Leroy Sané failed to capitalize on several close chances. A minor consolation: The Bayern have already secured around 40 million euros in prize money.
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Temperatures reaching 42 degrees Celsius and the scorched grass: Conditions in the Bank of America Stadium were challenging. "I don't like to complain," said Bayern coach Vincent Kompany, "but it will affect the game. I already have it in my head that it won't be as easy as we think at home."
Due to the grueling conditions, the Belgian made seven changes compared to the 2-1 victory against Boca Juniors. The newcomers, including Bischof, were intended to "inject enthusiasm." Rating regulars like Joshua Kimmich, Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala, or Harry Kane could initially stay in the dressing room, protected from the heat, watching the game on TV.
Outside, Benfica took control against a disoriented Bayern defense.Bayern captain Manuel Neuer managed to block a shot from veteran Ángel Di María (9). But when Sacha Boey dozed off in the back of the defense, Schjelderup scored from eleven meters.
Soccer Benfica’s Advantage Expands Post-Halftime
Kompany, despite the severe heat, remained resolute, sporting his signature all-black attire and urging his team in vain. The Munich side were collectively slow, giving the opposition a steeper advantage. Poor technical skills added to their woes. Despite the mid-match drinks break, the players were severely fatigued. Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni collapsed and required brief medical attention (37), but he continued with the match.
FC Bayern Munich vs. Benfica Lisbon at the Club World Cup 2025
It was only right before halftime that Bayern Munich had its first real chance: After sublime build-up play by Serge Gnabry, Sané blasted the ball wide of the goal (44.). Kimmich, Olise, and Kane entered the game at the restart, with Bischof making way. Immediately, the momentum shifted, as tackles became more forceful. Kimmich shone as a commander, Sané (51') missed again. On the other side, Neuer also saved against Kerem Aktürkoglu (56'). Kimmich's (61') supposed equalizer didn't count because Kane was offside.
Bayern Munich tightened the screws on Benfica, battled the conditions, and produced more attempts. But Sané (87'), after Kane's pass, found his match once again in the strong goalkeeper Anatolij Trubin.
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The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is anticipated to take place across a variety of locations in the United States, with matches scheduled in cities like Miami, Seattle, Los Angeles, and Cincinnati[1][2][3][4]. FC Bayern München and Benfica Lisbon are both slated to participate in the tournament[1][4]. The impact of the extreme temperatures on FC Bayern's performance during their match against Benfica Lisbon remains unclear due to a lack of available specific data or match information concerning the 2025 Club World Cup schedule or weather conditions of the match venue. However, potential factors such as high temperatures, physical stress, hydration levels, and player stamina could play a role in their performance [1][2][3][4].
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive regarding the impact of extreme temperatures on football matches, particularly in tournaments like the FIFA Club World Cup, given the challenging conditions faced by FC Bayern during their match against Benfica Lisbon. The European sports community is closely following the performance of football teams in varying climate conditions to ensure the players' well-being and fairness in sports.
