Group C of the Club World Cup reaches a tense conclusion on Tuesday as Benfica takes on Bayern Munich in a match that could determine the Portuguese side`s fate in the round of 16.
German champions Bayern have already secured their spot in the next stage, having won their first two group matches. However, securing first place in the group and potentially a more favorable draw in the knockout rounds will likely be a key objective for Vincent Kompany`s team. Benfica is currently in a strong position in Group C, holding second place with four points, three points ahead of Argentina`s Boca Juniors.
However, Boca Juniors are scheduled to play the semi-professional side Auckland City and are widely expected to win comfortably. This probable result means Benfica will likely need to secure at least a draw against Bayern to guarantee their advancement.
Tiebreakers could become relevant if Benfica loses on Tuesday and Boca Juniors win. Benfica`s earlier 2-2 draw with Boca Juniors did little to strengthen either team`s tiebreaker position. If both outcomes occur (Benfica loss, Boca win), goal difference would likely decide who advances. Boca would need a significant goal swing in their favor – potentially up to seven goals – against an Auckland side that has conceded 16 goals in two games so far, making this scenario surprisingly plausible.
Here is the essential information for the match:
Match Details
- Date: Tuesday, June 24
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Bank of America Stadium — Charlotte, North Carolina
- TV: TNT
- Live stream: Available on DAZN
- Odds: Benfica +270; Draw +230; Bayern Munich +105
Group C Scenarios
- Bayern Munich: Qualified for the round of 16
- Benfica advance to the round of 16 with:
- Win or draw against Bayern Munich
- Loss to Bayern Munich AND Boca Juniors draw or loss to Auckland City
- Boca Juniors advance to the round of 16 with:
- Win against Auckland City AND Benfica loss to Bayern Munich AND Boca Juniors beat Benfica on goal difference
- Auckland City: Eliminated from the competition
Predicted Lineups
Benfica: Anatoliy Trubin, Samuel Dahl, Antonio Silva, Nicolas Otamendi, Alvaro Carreras, Fredrik Aursnes, Florentino Luis, Renato Sanches, Angel Di Maria, Vangelis Pavlidis, Bruma
Bayern Munich: Manuel Neuer, Konrad Laimer, Josip Stanisic, Jonathan Tah, Raphael Guerreiro, Michael Olise, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Kingsley Coman, Harry Kane, Serge Gnabry
Player to Watch
Alvaro Carreras, Benfica: The Club World Cup often serves as a platform for young talents to showcase their abilities, potentially leading to future moves. Benfica`s 22-year-old left-back, Alvaro Carreras, is one such player. Linked with a return to Real Madrid, where he previously developed in the academy, Carreras faces a significant challenge against Bayern`s attack. His performance will be critical, particularly in a match where avoiding defeat is Benfica`s most reliable path to progression. He is expected to contend with dangerous Bayern players like Harry Kane and Michael Olise.
Storyline to Watch
Bayern`s Approach: As Bayern Munich is already qualified, the key question is how seriously they will approach this match. Coach Vincent Kompany might opt for squad rotation ahead of the knockout stage, especially on a warm afternoon. However, there is also motivation to secure first place in the group to potentially avoid a difficult matchup against an in-form Flamengo in the next round, opting instead for a possibly equally tired Chelsea. Bayern`s lineup and intensity will significantly impact the outcome and, consequently, the qualification chances from Group C, especially with Boca Juniors likely aiming for a high scoreline against Auckland City.
Prediction
Predicting a match like this is challenging because a favored team that has already qualified might not play at full intensity. This could create an opportunity for Benfica to secure the necessary point. However, the presence of world-class players like Harry Kane means Bayern can always find goals relatively easily. It is anticipated that Bayern will ultimately win, making qualification potentially tense for the opposition as the group stage concludes.
Predicted Score: Benfica 1, Bayern Munich 2
Dominic Ashworth