FIFA Club World Cup: Benfica Tops Bayern in Group C Showdown

Benfica secured the top spot in Group C of the FIFA Club World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich. The match, played in challenging conditions with sweltering temperatures, saw Andreas Schjelderup netting the decisive goal in the first half, leading Benfica to a crucial win.

Bayern Munich, despite already securing their spot in the knockout stage, struggled to find their rhythm, particularly in the first half. Manager Vincent Kompany introduced key players such as Harry Kane and Michael Olise in the second half to bolster their attack, but Benfica's defense, led by an outstanding performance from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, remained resolute. A disallowed goal for Bayern further frustrated their efforts to equalize.

With this victory, Benfica advances as group winners and will face the Group D runners-up in the next round. Bayern Munich, finishing second in Group C, is set to clash against the formidable Flamengo. Meanwhile, in the other Group C fixture, Auckland City and Boca Juniors played to a draw, resulting in both teams being eliminated from the competition.