Bayern Munich vs Benfica a one-sided rivalry in European competitions, particularly in the UEFA Champions League. In their most recent clash on 6 November 2024, Bayern defeated Benfica 1–0 thanks to a second-half goal by Jamal Musiala, assisted by Harry Kane. Bayern dominated possession and chances, while Benfica struggled to create scoring opportunities.
Historically, the two clubs have faced off 7–8 times, with Bayern Munich winning six and Benfica yet to register a victory. The German side also holds a significant edge in goals scored, with a cumulative tally of around 20–5.
As of mid-2025, there is no confirmed upcoming fixture between the two, though both clubs are competing in international tournaments like the FIFA Club World Cup. The matchup remains a challenging one for Benfica, who continue to seek a breakthrough against their dominant German rivals.
Recent Team Form
A summary of the recent form of both Bayern Munich and Benfica across their last 5 matches:
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich are in excellent form, winning 4 of their last 5 matches and drawing 1. They’ve scored 16 goals and conceded just 3, averaging over 3 goals per game. The German side looks dominant both offensively and defensively, with standout performances from key players like Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala.
Benfica
Benfica are also unbeaten in their last 5, with 3 wins and 2 draws. They’ve scored 14 goals and conceded 3, showing strong attacking intent. However, recent draws against Braga and Sporting suggest a slight dip in momentum compared to their earlier emphatic wins.
Comparison
In comparison, Bayern appear more consistent and sharper overall, especially against stronger opponents. Benfica remain competitive but may need to rediscover their early-match intensity to match Bayern’s current level.
Team Details
A detailed snapshot of each team’s setup, star players, and squad dynamics:
Benfica
Formation & Structure
Coach: Bruno Lage
Average squad age: ~24.5 years, 29 players
Key Defenders
António Silva (21, CB): Academy product, established starter with 83 appearances
Nicolás Otamendi (37, CB, captain): Veteran presence and leader, brings top-level experience
Midfield Engine-room
Leandro Barreiro (25, DM): Box-to-box presence, signed from Mainz, featured in Club World Cup squad
Orkun Kökçü (24, CM): Creative spark with 7 league goals and assists last season
Attacking Threats
Vangelis Pavlidis (26, FWD): Lethal in front of goal — 19 league goals & joint 2nd top scorer, hat-trick hero in CL
Kerem Aktürkoğlu (26, LW): 11 goals and 9 assists in league, electric winger
Gianluca Prestianni (19, RW): Highly rated Argentine youngster, signed in January 2024
Bayern Munich
Formation & Strategy
Coach: Vincent Kompany, focusing on youth and dynamism
Average squad age: ~23.2 years, 37 players
Defensive Core
Kim Min‑Jae (26, CB): New signing from Napoli, strong in tackles and aerial duels; could leave for ~€35 M
Alphonso Davies, Dayot Upamecano, Joshua Kimmich: Reliable backbone, with contract extensions in place
Midfield Dynamics
Konrad Laimer (26, CM): Energetic and versatile, added in midfield overhaul
Jamal Musiala (20, AM): Key creative outlet, though recently recovering from injury
João Palhinha & Aleksandar Pavlović: Provide depth and defensive coverage
Forward Line
Harry Kane (30, ST): Premier League’s top scorer, bringing elite finishing, 38 goals in all competitions
Michael Olise (21, RW/LW): €60 M signing from Palace; 12 goals + 15 assists debut season, influential in Club World Cup
Serge Gnabry, Kingsley Coman, plus emerging talent like Mathys Tel and Josip Stanišić
Squad Update & Changes
Departures: Thomas Müller and Leroy Sané left to reduce wage bill
Welcoming youth: Focus on shaping the future with academy graduates and new young prospects
Predicted Lineup
Here are the most likely starting lineups for Bayern Munich and Benfica based on recent reports and tactical trends:
Bayern Munich
Vincent Kompany is expected to maintain a 4-2-3-1 shape, balancing seasoned starters with squad rotation during the Club World Cup.
Probable Lineup:
GK: Jonas Urbig – taking the spot as Manuel Neuer recovers
RB: Konrad Laimer – dynamic presence in midfield transitions
CBs: Eric Dier & Kim Min‑Jae – forming a stable central pairing
LB: Josip Stanišić or Raphaël Guerreiro (depending on fitness)
CDMs: Joshua Kimmich & Leon Goretzka – pivoting the midfield
CAM Trio: Michael Olise (RW), Thomas Müller or Jamal Musiala (central #10), Leroy Sané (LW)
ST: Harry Kane leads the line with pace and hold-up play
Bench/In Rotation: Manuel Neuer, Alphonso Davies (if fit), Dayot Upamecano, Serge Gnabry, Mathys Tel, Jonathan Tah .
Benfica
Under Bruno Lage, Benfica typically deploy a fluid 4-3-3 with high pressing and attacking width.
Probable Lineup:
GK: Anatoliy Trubin
RB-LB: Tomás Araújo & Nicolás Otamendi (CB-shift depending), with Adrian Fernández or António Silva partnering centrally
Midfield Trio: Fredrik Aursnes / Leandro Barreiro (pivot), Orkun Kökçü (creativity), alongside Alexandr Bah or Tiago Gouveia for rotation
Attack: Ángel Di María (LW) – fitness-dependent, Vangelis Pavlidis (ST), Kerem Aktürkoğlu (RW)
Importance of the Match: Benfica vs Bayern Munich
This clash between Benfica and Bayern Munich carries high stakes and strategic importance, especially in the context of international tournaments like the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 or European competitions. Here’s why:
1. Club Prestige & Global Stage
• Both clubs are historic giants: Bayern Munich with 6 UEFA Champions League titles; Benfica with 2 European Cups.
• Any matchup between these two is a statement game, drawing global attention and media spotlight.
• A win enhances brand visibility, sponsor appeal, and fanbase growth internationally.
2. Tournament Implications
• In the Club World Cup, every point is crucial for advancing to the knockout stage. A win or even goal difference could decide progression or elimination.
• These fixtures are high-pressure, and often used to test depth, tactics, and big-game readiness.
3. Tactical Benchmark
• Facing Bayern allows Benfica to test their system against one of the best high-pressing and possession-based teams.
• For Bayern, it’s a chance to experiment against a disciplined, technical side that thrives on structure and speed.
4. Player Showcase
• Elite players like Harry Kane, Michael Olise, Orkun Kökçü, and Pavlidis get to shine on a global platform.
• Strong performances can boost transfer value, individual awards consideration, or future national team roles.
5. Mental Edge & Confidence
• For Benfica, even a draw or narrow loss vs Bayern would show growth and capability on the global level.
• For Bayern, a win reinforces their status as a top-tier team amid recent squad reshuffles and transition under Vincent Kompany.
Conclusion: Benfica vs Bayern Munich
The upcoming clash between Benfica and Bayern Munich is more than just a meeting of two top clubs it’s a high-stakes encounter with international significance.
Bayern Munich, boasting world-class talent like Harry Kane and Michael Olise, arrive in strong form, blending attacking firepower with solid defensive depth. Under Vincent Kompany, they are reshaping their identity with youth, pace, and precision.
Benfica, meanwhile, are riding a wave of momentum, driven by the goal-scoring instincts of Vangelis Pavlidis and the creative spark of Orkun Kökçü. While historically second-best in this matchup, they now field a squad capable of competing toe-to-toe with Europe’s elite.
With both teams unbeaten in recent outings, this game will be a real test of tactics, mentality, and squad depth especially in the context of international tournament pressure.
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