Soccer

Benfica knocks off Bayern Munich at FIFA Club World Cup in Charlotte

By Shane Connuck

Updated June 24, 2025 10:31 PM

S.L. Benfica’s goal keeper Anatoliy Trubin extends his right leg to successfully block a goal attempt by Bayern München’s forward Leroy Sane during the FIFA Club World Cup at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez mrodriguez@charlotteobserver.com

CHARLOTTE

It was a scorcher Tuesday afternoon in uptown Charlotte — and a European power delivered a sharp performance.

Portuguese powerhouse SL Benfica defeated German champions Bayern Munich, 1-0, in the second of four FIFA Club World Cup showcase matches this month at Bank of America Stadium.

With a kickoff heat index of 102 degrees and no clouds in sight, both teams battled through sweltering conditions that shaped the pace of play. Bayern’s substitutes remained inside their locker room rather than sit on the team’s bench, the Bundesliga club noted on social media.

More than 33,000 fans turned out for the midweek international soccer clash. Chants reverberated among the soccer-centric crowd mostly clad in red and white. It was a rare chance for Charlotte to host two of the most decorated clubs in European soccer — and the energy in the stadium reflected it.

Benfica’s first win over Bayern puts the Lisbon-based team atop Group C of the Club World Cup.

“The main goal was to get to the next stage, and we did it,” Benfica goalie Anatoliy Trubin said after being named player of the match.

S.L. Benfica’s midfielder Leandro Barreiro, far left, goes after the ball as teammate Nicolas Otamendi pulls Bayern München’s Thomas Mueller away during the FIFA Club World Cup at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez mrodriguez@charlotteobserver.com

Benfica beat the reigning Bundesliga champions in their 14th all-time meeting, dating back to 1976. The teams had played to draws three times and Bayern had claimed the other 10 contests.

This time, Benfica wasted little time making its mark.

In the 13th minute, 21-year-old Norwegian forward Andreas Schjelderup slipped through Bayern’s back line and redirected a low cross from right back Fredrik Aursnes into the net — giving Benfica its 1-0 lead that would hold the rest of the way.

Bayern, which started a mix of young prospects and first-team regulars under second-year manager Vincent Kompany, gradually found its rhythm as the first half wore on. But Benfica held firm defensively and limited high-quality chances.

Fans flooded the concourse at halftime to escape the blistering sun. Hydration breaks were implemented in both halves as both sides dealt with heat-related fatigue.

“It’s massive respect to both teams and all the players, to play in this heat and perform like both teams did,” Kompany said. “If you saw the number of cramps at the end of the game — the players who were really suffering for us and even the players who came on and played 45 minutes — you could see it was really tough conditions.”

Bayern nearly equalized in the 61st minute, when a rebound appeared to be slotted home — but the goal was waved off. Trubin came up big several times in the final 20 minutes, including in stoppage time, and Benfica’s defense continued its perfect afternoon.