CHARLOTTE, USA: Benfica secured a historic first-ever victory over Bayern Munich on Tuesday, winning 1-0 to top their group and set up a FIFA Club World Cup last-16 clash with Chelsea, who eased past Espérance of Tunisia 3-0.
In a day of dramatic results, tournament minnows Auckland City also claimed a memorable 1-1 draw against Argentine giants Boca Juniors.
Benfica’s Historic Upset in the Heat
In Charlotte, Andreas Schjelderup’s 13th-minute goal was enough for Benfica to claim a famous win over Bayern in front of 33,287 fans. The German champions, who started with stars like Harry Kane and Michael Olise on the bench, struggled to find a way back in the sweltering North Carolina heat.
Kane and Olise were introduced at half-time, but Benfica’s Ukrainian goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin made crucial saves to deny Leroy Sané and a late Kane header. The result meant Benfica finished top of Group C.
“I think this was a very fair and important win, historic really,” said Benfica coach Bruno Lage. Bayern, who finished second, will now travel to Miami to face Brazilian side Flamengo on Sunday.
Chelsea Cruise as New Signing Scores
In Philadelphia, Chelsea sealed their place in the knockout stage with a clinical 3-0 win over Espérance in Group D.
Defender Tosin Adarabioyo headed the Blues in front before new signing Liam Delap scored his first goal for the club with a deft finish in first-half stoppage time. Teenage talent Tyrique George added a third late in the game.
The result means Chelsea finished as Group D runners-up and will now face Benfica in Charlotte on Saturday.
Minnows Make Their Mark
Elsewhere, Auckland City, who had previously lost 10-0 to Bayern and 6-0 to Benfica, earned a remarkable point against Boca Juniors in Nashville. After falling behind to an own goal, Christian Gray headed in an equalizer in the second half to secure a 1-1 draw for the Oceania representatives.
“We’re a tiny club with a huge heart and that’s evident for all to see,” said a thrilled Auckland coach Paul Posa.
In the group’s other game, group winners Flamengo drew 1-1 with already-eliminated Los Angeles FC in Orlando.
In other tournament news, FIFA announced it has opened a disciplinary investigation into Pachuca’s Gustavo Cabral over an alleged racist comment made to Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger during their match on Sunday.
