Benfica head into the final game in Group C of the Club World Cup with work to do. The Portuguese side know Boca Juniors are aiming to pip them to second-place, should they fail to get a result against German champions Bayern Munich.
With two wins from two, Bayern are already through to the knockout stages ahead of this clash on Tuesday (8pm, DAZN). However, the Bavarians know that a defeat in Charlotte would see Benfica pip them to top spot, so Vincent Kompany can’t afford to make too many changes to his team selection.
Both teams to score (4/5 with Casumo)
While Benfica could approach this clash playing for a point, they’ll likely struggle to keep Bayern at bay. The Portuguese side took that approach in Munich last year, but they couldn’t hold out.
Bayern have been impressive early in games at this tournament. They were 4-0 up within 21 minutes against Auckland, while they broke the deadlock 18 minutes into their clash with Boca after having a goal ruled out.
An early strike for Bayern should open this game up, forcing Benfica to go forward. The Portuguese outfit fell 2-0 down within half an hour against Boca, before forcing their way back into the game.
Kingsley Coman to score anytime (19/5 with Casumo)
Kingsley Coman has made a strong start for Bayern at the Club World Cup, scoring twice within 20 minutes against Auckland.
The French winger also recorded the highest Expected Goals tally of any player in their clash with Boca. Coman finished with 0.96 xG without scoring.
The winger has had seven shots across his first two games at the tournament, so he holds plenty of appeal at 19/5 in the anytime goalscorer market.
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Benfica vs Bayern Munich odds
How both teams go into Benfica vs Bayern Munich
While Auckland City were a feel-good story heading into the Club World Cup, there’s little doubt that their presence has changed the dynamic in Group C. Benfica toiled early in their clash with the OFC representatives, only breaking the deadlock with a penalty deep into first-half stoppage time. The Portuguese outfit won that encounter 6-0, but that scoreline still might not be enough.
If Bayern name a strong side, then the race for second could come down to the margin of victory in Boca Juniors’ clash with Auckland. A defeat for Benfica, paired with a win for Boca, would see second place settled on goal difference, or goals scored, thanks to their 2-2 draw earlier in the tournament.
Bayern have no new injury concerns, so they are expected to name a strong side as they look to top the group. Alphonso Davies, Hiroki Ito and Min-Jae Kim remain sidelined for the Bavarians, but they have enough depth to move a couple of players around and still name a strong starting XI.
Bayern head into the contest as favourites, while they were 1-0 winners in a dominant display when the pair met in the Champions League earlier this season.
Benfica team news
Nicolas Otamendi is expected to start at the heart of the defence, with Orkun Kokcu and Leandro Barreiro ahead of him.
Angel Di Maria scored twice against Auckland, and he should play with Vangelis Pavlidis, Kerem Akturkoglu and Gianluca Prestianni fighting it out for the other two spots in the Benfica attack.
Bayern Munich team news
Vincent Kompany will still want his side to top the group and is expected to name a strong XI, with Jonathan Tah keeping his place in the defensive line.
Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka will likely play in the centre of midfield, with three of Harry Kane, Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala and Kingsley Coman playing in the attacking positions.
Benfica vs Bayern Munich head-to-head
Bayern have won the last five meetings between the two sides, scoring an average of 3.4 goals per game.
| Date | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 6 November 2024 | Bayern Munich 1-0 Benfica | Champions League |
| 2 November 2021 | Bayern Munich 5-2 Benfica | Champions League |
| 20 October 2021 | Benfica 0-4 Bayern Munich | Champions League |
| 27 November 2018 | Bayern Munich 5-1 Benfica | Champions League |
| 19 September 2018 | Benfica 0-2 Bayern Munich | Champions League |