Benfica vs Auckland City is a Group C clash of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 on June 20 at Inter & Co Stadium in Orlando. This match marks Benfica’s debut in the tournament, while Auckland City looks to recover from a crushing 0-10 defeat to Bayern Munich in their opening game.
The game is crucial for both sides—Benfica will want to start strong and assert their dominance as European contenders, while Auckland City, champions of Oceania, aim to restore pride after a tough loss. Despite the disparity in quality and experience, the match offers a classic underdog storyline with Auckland City seeking a historic upset.
Recent Team Form
An enhanced snapshot of each team heading into their clash:
Benfica
Key Players & Form
Vangelis Pavlidis has been in top form, bagging 9 goals in 8 matches; he even scored a Champions League hat‑trick in January 2025.
Leandro Barreiro, a January 2025 hat‑trick scorer against Famalicão, has become a central midfield presence.
Tomás Araújo has increased his role, earning a “Defender of the Month” award in November.
In the Primeira Liga they’re lethal: 17 W–2 D–4 L, averaging 2.3 goals per game with only 0.78 conceded—fresh off a 3–0 win over Boavista.
Transfers & Depth
Several reinforcements in mid‑season: signings from Heidenheim, Roma, PSG, Win a loan from Burnley, Bolstering creativity, depth, and attacking options across the squad.
Auckland City
Squad & Coaching
A semi‑pro side with a heavy Spanish influence: 17 Spanish players and staff in recent years.
Manager Paul Posa a full‑time dentist by day is absent due to personal reasons. Assistant Adrià Casals and Ivan Vicelich are handling tactics.
Domestic & International Form
Finished 3rd in Northern League, won the OFC Champions League to qualify for this tournament.
Leading scorer: Myer Bevan (5 league goals, 8 overall); midfielder Dylan Manickum was Player of the Tournament in OFC CL.
Ranked long-shots to progress: 2.8% to qualify, 0.8% to win the group.
Recent Match
Suffered a record-breaking 0–10 loss to Bayern Munich on June 15. Despite being overwhelmed, they showed commendable resistance in the early stages.
Team Details – Benfica vs Auckland City
Benfica (Portugal)
Status:
- One of Europe’s top clubs
- Primeira Liga runners-up (2024–25)
- UEFA Champions League regulars
- Representing UEFA at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Manager: Roger Schmidt
Key Players:
Ángel Di María – veteran winger and playmaker
Vangelis Pavlidis – prolific striker, in red-hot form
João Neves – young midfield dynamo
Nicolás Otamendi – experienced defensive leader
Fredrik Aursnes – versatile left-back/midfielder
Recent Signings:
Several mid-season reinforcements from European clubs including players from Roma, PSG, and Bundesliga
2024–25 Form Highlights:
• Strong attacking play, averaging over 2 goals/game
• Solid defensive record in Primeira Liga
• Group-stage exit in UCL but competitive performances
Auckland City FC (New Zealand)
Status:
- Dominant force in Oceania
- Winners of the 2024 OFC Champions League
- Representing OFC at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Acting Coaches: Adrià Casals & Ivan Vicelich
(Manager Ramon Tribulietx unavailable)
Key Players:
Myer Bevan – top scorer in OFC competition
Dylan Manickum – creative midfielder, Player of the Tournament (OFC CL)
Cam Howieson – experienced captain, midfield organizer
Adam Mitchell – center-back, defensive anchor
Matt Ellis – standout goalkeeper
Squad Profile:
• Semi-professional players
• Heavy Spanish influence in coaching and player style
• Blend of local Kiwi talent with Spanish technical input
2024–25 Form Highlights:
• Finished 3rd in New Zealand’s Northern League
• Lost 0–10 to Bayern Munich in first Club World Cup match
• Known for high-pressing, possession-based play (despite resource limits)
Predicted Lineups – Benfica vs Auckland City
Benfica – Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Coach: Roger Schmidt
Position Player
GK Anatoliy Trubin
RB Alexander Bah
CB Nicolás Otamendi (C)
CB António Silva
LB Fredrik Aursnes
CM João Neves
CM Orkun Kökçü
RW Ángel Di María
CAM Rafa Silva
LW David Neres
ST Vangelis Pavlidis
Key Subs: Tengstedt, João Mário, Tomás Araújo, Florentino
Benfica is expected to go full strength despite the mismatch, to ensure a strong start and build momentum before facing Bayern.
Auckland City – Predicted XI (4-3-3)
Coach: Adrià Casals (Interim)
Position Player
GK Matt Ellis
RB Jordan Vale
CB Adam Mitchell
CB Mario Ilich
LB Michael den Heijer
CM Cam Howieson (C)
CM Ryan De Vries
CM Dylan Manickum
RW Gerard Garriga
ST Myer Bevan
LW Angus Kilkolly
Key Subs: Darren White, Joe Lee, Michael Woud, Alfie Rogers
Auckland City will likely stay compact, aim to absorb pressure, and look for counters via Bevan and Garriga.
Importance of Benfica vs Auckland City
For Benfica
• Debut Match: First game in Group C – must win to keep pace with Bayern Munich.
• Goal Difference Opportunity: After Bayern’s 10–0 win over Auckland, Benfica will aim for a big win to stay competitive on goal difference.
• Momentum Builder: A chance to fine-tune squad chemistry and boost confidence before tougher fixtures.
• Pressure to Perform: As European representatives, anything less than dominance would be seen as underachievement.
For Auckland City
• Redemption: After a 0–10 loss to Bayern, they’ll be desperate to restore pride and respect.
• Experience: A rare chance to play against elite opposition, invaluable for player development.
• Global Exposure: Performing well, even in defeat, can spotlight players for international scouts.
• Oceania’s Image: As OFC champions, their performance impacts the reputation of the entire region.
What’s at Stake?
• A Benfica win keeps the group competitive and sets up a possible decider vs Bayern.
• A decent showing by Auckland could redeem their campaign and show resilience despite the odds.
Conclusion – Benfica vs Auckland City
Benfica enters this match as overwhelming favorites, boasting elite talent, depth, and form. For them, this game is crucial to kick off their Club World Cup campaign strongly and keep pace with Bayern Munich in the group. A dominant win is expected—and almost required—to stay in contention.
Auckland City, after a crushing 0–10 loss, face another mountain to climb. Yet, for them, the match is about more than just the result—it’s about restoring pride, gaining global experience, and representing Oceania with heart and resilience.
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