This is a pivotal second group-stage match for both clubs. Benfica, after a dramatic 2–2 draw with Boca Juniors, are eyeing their first win of the tournament. Meanwhile, Auckland City are reeling from a record-breaking 10–0 defeat to Bayern Munich and must avoid another heavy loss to keep slim qualification hopes alive.
SL Benfica: Redemption and Goal Difference in Focus
Last Match: 2–2 draw vs Boca Juniors
FIFA Ranking (UEFA Coefficient): Top 25
Key Player: Nicolás Otamendi – 1 goal, 1 assist vs Boca
Strengths:
Veteran Leadership: Otamendi and Ángel Di María were instrumental in the comeback against Boca, combining for both goals.
Attacking Depth: Vangelis Pavlidis, Bruma, and Kerem Aktürkoğlu offer pace and creativity in the final third.
Set Piece Threat: Benfica scored both goals from dead-ball situations in their opener.
Concerns:
Discipline Issues: Andrea Belotti is suspended after a red card in the opener.
Injury List: Alexander Bah and Manu Silva are out with ACL injuries.
Projected XI (4-3-3):
Trubin; Dahl, A. Silva, Otamendi, Carreras; Aursnes, Florentino, Sanches; Di María, Pavlidis, Bruma
Auckland City FC: Hoping to Avoid Another Rout
Last Match: 0–10 loss vs Bayern Munich
FIFA Status: Not a FIFA member (OFC representative)
Key Player: Myer Bevan – Leading scorer in OFC Champions League
Strengths:
Experience in Adversity: Auckland has appeared in 11 Club World Cups and finished third in 2014.
Underdog Spirit: Despite being part-timers, they’ve shown resilience in past tournaments.
Goalkeeper Grit: Conor Tracey made 7 saves vs Bayern despite the scoreline.
Concerns:
Defensive Fragility: Conceded 6 goals in the first half alone vs Bayern.
Squad Limitations: Several players couldn’t join due to work commitments.
Projected XI (5-4-1):
Tracey; Murati, Boxall, Den Heijer, Mitchell, Lobo; Manickum, Ilich, Garriga, Yoo; Bevan
Head-to-Head & Match Insights
| Category | Benfica | Auckland City |
| Club World Cup Record | 0W–1D–0L (2025) | 0W–0D–1L (2025) |
| Goals Scored (2025) | 2 | 0 |
| Goals Conceded (2025) | 2 | 10 |
| Last 5 Matches (All) | D–D–D–L–W | L–W–W–W–D |
This is the first-ever meeting between Benfica and Auckland City.
Benfica has scored in every match since March 2025 except vs Barcelona.
Auckland City has lost eight straight Club World Cup matches.
Benfica’s superior quality, depth, and urgency to improve goal difference ahead of their clash with Bayern make them overwhelming favorites. Expect a dominant performance, though Auckland may tighten up defensively after their historic loss.
MATCH ODDS
Benfica (NL) Draw + 4000 Auckland – 12000
Over 5.5 – 150 Under 5.5 + 120
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, June 19, 2025
