The Matchday 2 clash in 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, betting odds, and statistics.
Benfica
In the first round, the Portuguese side shared the spoils with Boca Juniors (2-2), notably coming back from a two-goal deficit. However, Bruno Lage's team remains winless in their last four consecutive official international matches (2 draws, 2 losses). Nevertheless, they failed to score in only one of these games. In Group C's 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 Club World Cup (3 draws, 3 losses).
- In their last 6 encounters 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 Club World Cup.
Projected lineup for Benfica (4-3-3)
Anatoliy Trubin – Álvaro Fernández Carreras, António Silva, Samuel Dall, 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 Munich, they set another record, albeit a negative one. The 0-10 defeat to the Bavarians became the largest in tournament history. Auckland City has now lost seven consecutive matches in the Club World Cup, failing to score in five of those encounters. The result against the Germans has placed the team at the bottom of Group C.
- The New Zealand team has 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 encounters 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.
Projected lineup for Auckland City (4-4-2)
Conor Tracey – Adam Mitchell, Nikko Boxall, Nathan Lobo, Regon 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%.
Match Prediction: Benfica vs. Auckland City
The New Zealand amateurs found it difficult to challenge Bayern. Auckland City was notable only for a single, non-threatening shot on target, while conceding heavily without much resistance from the Munich side. Now, they face a less powerful but equally dangerous Portuguese team. After this encounter, the New Zealanders might begin to regret the new tournament format.
The demolition of Auckland in the first round has led bookmakers to significantly revise the odds for this team's next match. Finding a good option is challenging, but I am confident that Benfica will strive to score as many goals as possible, as goal difference could play a crucial role. I predict that Bruno Lage's side will aim to establish 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 Individual Total Over 2.5
