The Matchday 3 clash of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup between Benfica (Portugal) and Bayern Munich (Germany) will take place on June 24 at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, USA. Benfica vs. Bayern Munich: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Benfica
Bruno Lage's side thrashed Auckland City 6-0 in their last match. After two rounds, the Portuguese team has accumulated 4 points and is in second place in Group C. For a place in the playoffs, Benfica needs just one point in the upcoming match. Notably, the victory over the New Zealanders was Benfica's first in five recent official international matches (2 draws, 2 losses).
- The team has conceded at least one goal in 4 of their last 5 games in the UEFA Champions League and the Club World Cup.
- The Portuguese have scored in the second half in 6 of their last 8 matches in these tournaments.
- Benfica has not lost in 5 of their last 7 matches in the UEFA Champions League and the Club World Cup.
Predicted lineup for Benfica (3-4-3)
Anatoliy Trubin – Álvaro Fernández Carreras, António Silva, Nicolás Otamendi – Fredrik Aursnes, Leandro Barreiro, Orkun Kökçü, Kerem Aktürkoğlu – Ángel Di María, Vangelis Pavlidis, Gianluca Prestianni.
Bayern Munich
The Munich team secured a victory in their second match, defeating Boca Juniors 2-1. Notably, Bayern became the first team in this tournament to beat a South American side. As a result, Vincent Kompany's team has secured a spot in the Round of 16. The goal conceded against the Argentinians was Bayern's first ever in the Club World Cup.
- The team has scored at least two goals in 7 of their last 9 official international matches.
- The Germans have not lost in 8 of their last 9 matches in the UEFA Champions League and the Club World Cup (6 wins, 2 draws).
- At least one goal has been scored in both halves in 8 of Bayern's last 11 matches in these tournaments.
Predicted lineup for Bayern Munich (4-3-3)
Manuel Neuer – Josip Stanišić, Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, Raphaël Guerreiro – Michael Olise, Konrad Laimer, Leon Goretzka – Kingsley Coman, Harry Kane, Serge Gnabry.
Referee
François Letexier (France)
Matches – 12 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 60;
Average yellow cards per match – 5;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 42%.
Benfica vs. Bayern Munich: Match Prediction
A draw would suit both teams. The Munich coach stated that Bayern aims to secure the top spot in the group, while the Portuguese team needs just one point to advance to the playoffs. I'm not ruling out such an outcome, considering both teams might want to preserve their key players. However, if a draw occurs, it's unlikely to be goalless. Both teams are strong in attack but have defensive vulnerabilities.
Prior to the match against Auckland, the Portuguese team had conceded in 4 consecutive official international matches. However, Benfica scored 6 goals during that stretch. Bayern has a 9-match scoring streak in the UEFA Champions League and the Club World Cup. But they have kept a clean sheet only three times during this period (including the match against the New Zealanders).
Considering a potential draw, I suggest looking at it through a Bayern non-defeat lens. The Munich team has not lost to Benfica in their last 7 head-to-head meetings in the Champions League, with at least two goals scored in 5 of those games. My prediction: Bayern will not lose and total over 1.5 goals
* The starting lineup for each team reflects their previous match in this tournament.
