Club World Cup: Benfica beats Bayer Munich 1-0, both in the round of 16

Benfica takes the top spot in Group C at the Club World Cup, overcoming Bayern Munich in their direct clash thanks to a narrow 1-0 victory. It was a result that rewarded the Portuguese side, which was able to make the most of the chances granted by a re-staffed Bayern, already certain of qualification for the round of 16 and with a large initial turnover.

Deciding the challenge was young Andreas Schjelderup, scoring in the 13th minute after a quick restart orchestrated by Angel Di Maria and finished by a perfect assist from Aursnes. Bayern, without stars such as Kane, Kimmich and Olise in the starting lineup, paid for an underwhelming first half, with few ideas and only two noteworthy chances in the final minutes, unrealized by Sané and Muller.

In the second half, Vincent Kompany tried to reverse the inertia by inserting the starters. With the entry of Kane, Kimmich and Olise, the Germans upped the tempo and became more dangerous. Benfica goalkeeper Trubin was decisive with three prodigious interventions: two on Sané (in the 50th minute and 88th minute) and one on Pavlovic in the 75th minute. Bayern had also managed to find the equalizing goal through Kimmich, but the play was disallowed for active offside by Kane, thwarting the final assault.

With this success, Benfica closes the group in first place and in the round of 16 they will face the Group D runner-up, namely the winner between Chelsea and Esperance Tunis, expected to play on the pitch on the night. Bayern, on the other hand, will face Flamengo.