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Key Points

Neuer admitted Bayern lacked urgency in their 1-0 loss to Benfica, particularly in the first half. The German giants created chances but failed to convert against a resilient Benfica defense. Despite a stronger second half, Bayern now face Flamengo in the knockout stages. Neuer remains optimistic, urging his team to replicate their second-half intensity moving forward.

Key Points: Neuer Admits Bayern Lacked Momentum in Benfica Club World Cup Loss

  • Bayern struggled with first-half intensity despite dominating possession
  • Benfica's Schjelderup scored early while Trubin made crucial saves
  • Neuer demands critical analysis of slow start
  • Second-half performance gives hope for Flamengo clash
2 min read

We were lacking the decisive momentum to score a goal: Neuer on Bayern's loss to Benfica

Manuel Neuer reflects on Bayern Munich's 1-0 defeat to Benfica, citing poor first-half intensity and missed chances in the FIFA Club World Cup.

"We were lacking the decisive momentum to score a goal today. – Manuel Neuer"

Charlotte, June 25

After Bayern Munich suffered a 1-0 loss against SL Benfica to finish second in Group C of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer admitted that the German giants were lacking the decisive momentum in the match to score a goal and didn't show the same intensity in the first half as they did in the second.

Bayern dominated possession in the first half, but the German side struggled to create chances. SL Benfica grabbed the early lead on Andreas Schjelderup's first-half strike and got crucial second-half saves by goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. Despite a strong second-half performance, Vincent Kompany's team was forced to concede defeat in Charlotte.

"Our mistake was we didn't show the same intensity in the first half as we did in the second. We just weren't present enough. Obviously, we failed to score from several opportunities, and the goalkeeper did a great job as well. We were lacking the decisive momentum to score a goal today. We definitely have to analyse the first half critically.

"However, what we showed in the second half, that was Bayern Munich. That's the way we want to play. You have to take the circumstances into consideration. It was brutally hot today. Of course, we all play in the same conditions, so we don't want to look for excuses.

With the victory, Benfica finish as Group C winners and will meet the Group D runners-up Chelsea in Charlotte on June 28, while Bayern’s slip-up sets up a Round of 16 showdown with Brazilian side CR Flamengo, who have taken the tournament by storm, in Miami on June 29.

"Now, we’re going into the knockout stages as group runners-up. Looking at the second half today, we feel positive going forward. If we can create these kinds of chances for 90 minutes in the next game, I'm convinced we will be successful.

“We need to start with intensity in our next game with Flamengo. Honestly, I'm feeling positive because of the second half and what we achieved with our team, how we created the chances. If we can go 90 minutes with this tempo and how we created our chances, I feel positive for the tournament," said Neuer.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Bayern's performance was disappointing but typical of German teams in hot conditions. Indian players would struggle even more in that Charlotte heat! Hope they learn from this before facing Flamengo. The Brazilian team won't show any mercy if Bayern starts slow again. 🇩🇪⚽
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Priya M.
As an Indian football fan, I'm surprised to see Bayern struggle like this! Their possession game means nothing without cutting edge. Reminds me of our national team's finishing problems 😅 Neuer is right about the intensity - you can't switch on only after conceding at this level.
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Arjun S.
Benfica's goalkeeper Trubin was the real hero! Shows how crucial a world-class keeper is - something we Indians understand well given our cricket wicketkeepers 😄 Bayern will bounce back though, they're too experienced to make same mistakes against Flamengo.
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Sanjana R.
The heat excuse doesn't hold water - both teams played in same conditions. As an Indian, I know all about playing in extreme weather! Bayern need to stop making excuses and focus on their finishing. That second half performance gives hope though 💪
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Vikram J.
Interesting to see European clubs struggle in Club World Cup. Maybe it's time for Asian/African teams to challenge more! As an Indian, I dream of seeing our clubs compete at this level someday. Bayern vs Flamengo will be 🔥 though!
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Neha P.
Respect to Benfica for their tactical discipline! Reminds me how smaller Indian Super League teams sometimes outplay big clubs. Bayern's lack of urgency in first half was shocking - hope Kompany fixes this before the knockout stages. The tournament just got more exciting!

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