The Matchday 2 encounter of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup between Benfica (Portugal) and Auckland City (New Zealand) will take place on June 20 at the Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, USA. Benfica vs. Auckland City: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Benfica
The Portuguese team shared the spoils with Boca Juniors (2-2) in the first round, notably coming back from a two-goal deficit. However, Benfica remains winless in four consecutive official international matches (2 draws, 2 losses). Yet, they have failed to score in only one of these encounters. In the Group C standings, the club occupies the third position.
- The Portuguese side has not won in 6 of their last 8 matches in the UEFA Champions League and the Club World Cup (3 draws, 3 losses).
- In the last 6 games in these tournaments, Benfica has not scored more than 3 goals.
- The team has conceded at least one goal in 8 of their last 11 games in the UEFA Champions League and the Club World Cup.
Predicted lineup for Benfica (4-3-3)
Anatoliy Trubin – Álvaro Fernández Carreras, António Silva, Samuel Dale, Nicolás Otamendi – Fredrik Aursnes, Florentino, Renato Sanches – Ángel Di María, Vangelis Pavlidis, Bruma.
Forward Andrea Belotti will miss the match due to a suspension from the previous round. Midfielder Florentino is unavailable due to injury.
Auckland City
The New Zealanders hold the record for the most appearances in the Club World Cup, but after their first-round match against Bayern, they set another record, albeit a negative one. The 0-10 defeat to the Munich side was the largest in the tournament's history. Auckland City has now lost seven consecutive matches in the Club World Cup, failing to score in five of those games. The result against the Germans placed the team at the bottom of Group C.
- The New Zealanders have not conceded more than 6 goals in 12 of their last 13 matches in the Club World Cup.
- Auckland City has not won in their last 9 matches in this tournament (2 draws, 7 losses).
- At least one opponent failed to score in 5 of the New Zealanders' last 7 games in the Club World Cup.
Predicted lineup for Auckland City (4-4-2)
Conor Tracey – Adam Mitchell, Nikko Boxall, Nathan Lobo, Regan Murati – Gerard Garriga, Dylan Manickum, Michael Den Heijer, Mario Ilich – Myer Bevan, David Yu.
Referee
Salman Falahi (Qatar)
Matches – 7 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 23;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.3;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 26;
Penalties – 43%.
Benfica vs. Auckland City: Match Prediction
The New Zealanders struggled to pose any threat to Bayern. Auckland City managed only one harmless shot on target, while conceding a flurry of goals. The Munich side hardly broke a sweat. Now, the islanders face a less formidable but still dangerous Portuguese side. After this encounter, the New Zealanders might lament the new tournament format.
Auckland's demolition in the first round forced bookmakers to significantly adjust the odds for their next match. Finding a good betting option is challenging, but I am confident that Benfica will aim to score as many goals as possible, as goal difference could be crucial. I predict that Bruno Lage's team will try to secure a significant lead by halftime. Auckland conceded 6 goals to Bayern before the break. I believe the Portuguese can score at least half of that amount.
My prediction: 1st Half: Benfica ITB 2.5
