Benfica vs Bayern München Preview, Prediction, Odds: 24/6/2025

A compelling match is set for Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 20:00 local time at Bank of America Stadium as SL Benfica prepares to face Bayern Munich in their Group C encounter of the FIFA Club World Cup. Bayern currently hold three points after a dominant 10–0 victory in their opener, while Benfica sits in third with one point following a 2–2 draw against Boca Juniors.

Bayern Munich are strong favorites following their record-breaking group stage debut. A straight win bet on Bayern is advised, while a “both teams to score” wager is another strong option, given Benfica’s attacking potential and Bayern’s tendency to concede the occasional goal despite their defensive solidity.

SL Benfica – Balancing Flair with Resilience

Benfica enters this match looking to improve after a mixed start in the tournament. A 2–2 draw against Boca Juniors showed their attacking ambition, but also exposed defensive lapses. In recent form across all competitions, they hold one win, three draws, and one loss over their last five matches, highlighting inconsistency that coach Bruno Lage will need to address.

Recent turbulence surfaced off the pitch when midfielder Orkun Kökçü publicly disagreed with a tactical substitution. The incident highlights a potential fragility within the squad dynamic just ahead of this critical encounter. Additionally, defender Álvaro Carreras is sidelined due to a yellow card suspension, an absence that could impact Benfica’s back line.

The squad includes key performers such as Vangelis Pavlidis, who joined from AZ Alkmaar last summer and has shone in European competition, and winger Kerem Aktürkoğlu, who consistently provides goals and creativity. Lage’s philosophy centres on aggressive, possession-based football with rapid transitions—an approach that must be blended with defensive discipline to cope with Bayern’s firepower.

Bayern Munich – Commanding Form Under Kompany

Bayern Munich arrives in the match with high confidence following a record-breaking 10–0 rout of Auckland City, the biggest victory ever in Club World Cup history. That result not only demonstrated their offensive depth but also their commitment to the tournament despite external criticism regarding squad rotation and competitiveness.

Under manager Vincent Kompany, Bayern’s playstyle has evolved into a fluid, pressing, and positionally flexible system. Kompany’s strategic influence, which blends high-pressing intensity with dynamic attacking structures—often shifting formations mid-game—has reinvigorated the squad. Recent injuries, such as Jamal Musiala’s potential muscular issue, are being managed carefully, possibly allowing emerging star Michael Olise to take a more prominent role against Benfica.

In group play, Bayern have not yet conceded, and their commanding presence places them firmly at the top. Previous encounters with Benfica and Boca Juniors have informed Kompany’s preparations, with attention paid to preserving control without underestimating opponents.

Tactical Battle in First Competitive Encounter

This match represents the first competitive meeting between Benfica and Bayern, removing any historical psychological edge. Success will depend on in-game adjustments and individual performances under pressure.

Bayern’s likely approach involves exerting early dominance through structured pressing and quick transitions, while Benfica may exploit counterattacks and pace on the wings. With both sides capable of converting chances, tactical flexibility and minimizing mistakes will likely determine the outcome.

In-Game Forecast and Strategic Insights

Based on form and tactical alignment, Bayern Munich are expected to secure victory. However, Benfica’s attacking quality means they are also equipped to threaten Bayern’s defense. A 3–1 win in Bayern’s favor seems a credible projection, reflecting their superiority yet anticipating a goal from the Portuguese side.

The dual prediction markets—betting on a Bayern win and expecting both teams to score—align with these expectations. Bayern’s depth and tactical clarity under Kompany make them the odds-on favorite, while Benfica’s capabilities justify the dual-benefit betting angle.

Prediction

In what promises to be a high-caliber match-up featuring tactical ingenuity and skill, Bayern Munich are likely to emerge victorious. The projected scoreline is SL Benfica 1, Bayern Munich 3, combining offensive assurance with defensive structure—yet preserving scope for the Portuguese club to find the net.

Prediction: Benfica 1:3 Bayern Munich