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Key Points

Benfica secured the top spot in Group C of the FIFA Club World Cup with a narrow 1-0 win over Bayern Munich, thanks to goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin's crucial saves. Despite Bayern's head coach Vincent Kompany rotating the squad and benching key players, the team struggled to score. Substitutes Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Joshua Kimmich made a noticeable impact, but Trubin's heroics denied Bayern an equalizer. The result means Bayern will face Flamengo in the last-16, while Benfica will play against either Chelsea or Esperance de Tunis.

Key Points: Benfica Defeats Bayern with Trubin's Heroics to Top Group C

  • Benfica wins Group C after 1-0 victory over Bayern
  • Bayern's key players benched but brought on in second half
  • Trubin's saves secure Benfica's top spot in Group C
  • Bayern to face Flamengo in Miami for last-16 match
2 min read

Club WC: Benfica beat Bayern to top Group C

Benfica tops Group C in Club World Cup after defeating Bayern 1-0, thanks to Anatoliy Trubin's crucial saves.

"Trubin's crucial saves were the difference in Benfica's triumph. - Xinhua"

Charlotte, June 25

Benfica secured the top spot in Group C of the FIFA Club World Cup after a narrow 1-0 win over Bayern Munich in their final group fixture here on Wednesday (IST), thanks to a series of crucial saves by goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.

Already assured of a last-16 place after back-to-back wins against Auckland City and Boca Juniors, Bayern needed only a draw to win the group. Head coach Vincent Kompany opted to rotate heavily, making seven changes to the starting lineup. Key players Harry Kane, Michael Olise, Kingsley Coman, and Joshua Kimmich began on the bench, while 19-year-old summer signing Tom Bischof from Hoffenheim made his debut.

Benfica broke the deadlock in the 13th minute, as Andreas Schjelderup slotted home a Fredrik Aursnes cross from the right wing, reports Xinhua.

With no attempt on target in the first half, Kompany brought on Kane, Olise, and Kimmich after the break.

The substitutes made an immediate impact. Kimmich's long pass sent Leroy Sane through one-on-one, but his shot was denied by Trubin, who then made another key save to stop Thomas Muller moments later.

Kimmich nearly leveled the score in the 61st minute with a low strike from outside the box, but Kane was offside while standing in front of the goalkeeper.

The Bundesliga champion kept up the pressure but couldn't find the equalizer, as Trubin again denied Sane from close range just minutes before the final whistle.

Bayern drops to second in the group after the loss and will face Group D winner Flamengo in Miami on Sunday in the last-16. Benfica will host either Chelsea or Esperance de Tunis in Charlotte on Saturday.

The other Group C match between Auckland City and Boca Juniors in Nashville was suspended due to potential lightning strikes after Christian Gray scored Auckland City's first goal of the tournament, leveling the score at 1-1.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
What a match! Trubin was absolutely brilliant between the posts. Bayern underestimated Benfica by rotating so many players. Kompany will regret this decision when they face Flamengo next. Indian football fans know the value of a strong goalkeeper - reminds me of Gurpreet's heroics for Bengaluru FC! 🇮🇳⚽
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Priya M.
Bayern's arrogance cost them the top spot. You can't rest Kane against quality opponents! As an Indian who stays up late to watch these matches, I'm happy to see underdogs win. Hope ISL teams learn from Benfica's compact defense and counterattacking style.
A
Arjun S.
That offside call against Kane was so close! VAR would have given it in Premier League. Anyway, great for neutral fans like us in India - makes the knockout stages more interesting. Benfica vs Chelsea would be a dream matchup! 🤩
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Sneha R.
As someone who follows both European and Indian football, I must say Trubin's performance shows why good goalkeepers are worth their weight in gold. Hope our Indian keepers were watching! Also, the lightning interruption in the other match - nature reminding us who's really in charge 😅
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Vikram J.
Respect to Benfica! But let's be honest - Bayern at full strength would have won comfortably. The Club WC needs more Asian representation though. When will we see an Indian club compete at this level? Maybe Mumbai City FC in 5 years if they keep improving?
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Neha P.
The young players on both sides showed great promise. Tom Bischof's debut for Bayern and Schjelderup's goal for Benfica - the future looks bright! Indian football should focus more on youth development like these European clubs. Our U17 team showed potential but need better pathways.

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