Benfica vs Bayern Munich: Tips, Odds, and Match Preview

Group C was always going to be one of the more interesting in the tournament, and this game was always a decider for one of the clubs. Bayern Munich has all but qualified for the knockout stage, while Benfica needs at least a draw to manage the same.

But a draw at Bank of America Stadium against the high-flying Bavarians, who scored 12 in their first two games in the US, could be too much to ask of any club at the moment.

Benfica on a Mission

The Eagles are occupying the second spot with four points and a goal difference of +6. Bruno Lage's men dodged a bullet in the opening game against Boca thanks to Otamendi's equalizer in the 84th minute before netting 6 in the follow-up against Auckland City.

To advance into the knockout stage of the Club World Cup, Benfica needs at least a draw. But a curse stands in their way Namely, Benfica has never won in 13 competitive meetings with Bayern and managed only three draws.

All that on the back of a disappointing domestic season. Benfica conceded the title to Sporting on the last day of the season, while the Taça de Portugal final was also lost to Sporting—in the stoppage time, no less.

Benfica Injury & Suspension News

Bruno Lage cannot count on Alexander Bah and Manu Silva, who suffered ACL injuries mid-season and did not travel with the squad. Florentino is out with a shoulder injury, while the trio of Nicolas Figal, Ander Herrera, and Andrea Belotti will serve suspension bans after a fiery clash with Boca. Belloti's second-match suspension might get rescinded, though.

Bayern Staying the Course

The German giants opened the tour with a 10:0 demolition of Auckland City but faced a different proposition in Boca Juniors. Still, Vincent Company's men scraped a win thanks to Michael Olise's shot from the edge of the box and are now top of Group C with six out of six.

Bayern are on a scoring spree unlike we've seen since the days of Robert Lewandowski. The Bavarians have netted 28 goals in their last seven games (that's four per game), managing five clean sheets in the meantime. They regained the Bundesliga throne comfortably but lost the Champions League to Inter Milan in the quarterfinals. If the Bavarians top the group tomorrow, they'll face the runners-up of either Group B, D, F, or H.

Bayern Injury & Suspension News

Alphonso Davies and Kim Min-jae are a no-go for the Benfica game but might return for the knockouts. Thomas Muller, who announced his retirement after the tournament, picked up an injury against Boca and will be watching from the bench.

Benfica vs Bayern Munich Prediction

The last Champions League meeting ended in a 1:0 Bayern win thanks to Jamal Musiala's header, and overall, Bayern is a bit of a hoodoo club for the Portuguese as they never beat them in a competitive match.

I don't think that'll happen on Tuesday afternoon local time in Charlotte, although Company is likely to rest some players (Musiala?) for the knockout rounds which may give the Eagles some wind.

CryptoGamba tip: First half draw – 2.12 at Playbet.io