Benfica vs Auckland City Prediction, Preview, News: 20/6/2025

On Friday, June 20, 2025, at 17:00 local time, SL Benfica will face Auckland City FC at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida, in their second Group C match of the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. This tournament, featuring 32 teams, includes champions from each continental confederation. Benfica, representing UEFA, and Auckland City, representing the OFC, are both seeking their first win in the group stage.(sofascore.com, nypost.com, dazn.com)

Benfica’s Recent Performance and Squad Overview

Benfica enters the match following a 2-2 draw against Boca Juniors on June 16. In that game, Benfica overcame a two-goal deficit, with goals from Ángel Di María and Nicolás Otamendi, despite playing with ten men after Andrea Belotti’s red card in the 72nd minute.

Managed by Bruno Lage, Benfica’s squad boasts experienced players such as Di María, Otamendi, and forward Vangelis Pavlidis, who scored 29 goals in the previous season. The team employs a balanced 4-4-2 formation, combining attacking prowess with defensive solidity.

Auckland City’s Challenges and Team Composition

Auckland City FC, a semi-professional team from New Zealand, suffered a 10-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in their opening match. The team comprises part-time players, including teachers and students, who had to take leave from their regular jobs to participate in the tournament. Despite limited resources, Auckland City has a strong team spirit and a history of success in the Oceania region, having won the OFC Champions League multiple times.

Due to head coach Paul Posa’s absence for personal reasons, assistant coach Adrià Casals is leading the team during the tournament. Midfielder Gerard Garriga is among the key players, bringing experience and leadership to the squad.

Prediction

This match marks the first-ever meeting between Benfica and Auckland City. Benfica is favored to win, given their professional status and recent performances. A victory would strengthen their position in Group C, while Auckland City aims to improve upon their previous result and gain valuable experience on the international stage.

Prediction: Benfica 4:0 Auckland City