Schjelderup Strike Lifts Benfica to Historic Win Over Bayern in Club World Cup Clash
Benfica secured a landmark 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich on Tuesday, with Andreas Schjelderup’s first-half strike proving decisive in the searing heat. The win sent the Portuguese club to the top of Group C at the Club World Cup and marked their first-ever triumph over the German giants.
Schjelderup broke the deadlock in the 13th minute, finishing first-time from Fredrik Aursnes’ low cross after a defensive lapse by Bayern. Despite the oppressive conditions, Benfica held firm to clinch the three points and now await either Chelsea or Esperance de Tunis in the round of 16.
Bayern, who had already secured a place in the knockout stage, fielded a rotated side that lacked urgency in the opening half. Though they improved after the break, they couldn’t find the equaliser. Joshua Kimmich thought he had levelled the score, but his goal was disallowed for offside against Harry Kane in the buildup.
Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany acknowledged his side’s sluggish start:
“Our first half wasn’t good at all,” he told DAZN. “With the pitch and the heat, I feared it wouldn’t be as fluid as usual. In football, if you miss your chances, you pay the price.”
Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin was instrumental in preserving the lead, making key saves to deny Aleksandar Pavlovic and Leroy Sané. He was deservedly named man of the match.
“It was a great game against an incredible team,” Trubin said. “It wasn’t just me-everyone gave their all. It was extremely hot, but we got the job done.”
Benfica manager Bruno Lage praised his squad’s belief and intensity.
“We came into this match with confidence, even with our history against Bayern,” he said, referring to their previous record of three draws and 10 losses. “We had the best chances in the first half, and we were aggressive. Finishing top of the group means a lot for us.”
Lage also took a subtle jab at doubters:
“Everyone was talking about Boca needing a big win to advance, but they overlooked this match. No one believed we’d beat Bayern—but we did.”
Bayern will now face Flamengo, the winners of Group D, in the next round—a tough test for Kompany’s side as they aim to rebound from their surprise group-stage setback.