Benfica will qualify for the next stage of the Club World Cup should they avoid defeat when they face off against Bayern Munich on Tuesday at Bank of America Stadium.
Benfica beat Auckland City 6-0 on June 20 and have four points from their two group games, and the Portuguese side only need to draw against Bayern, who have six points and have already advanced to the round of 16.
The Primeira Liga club brushed aside Auckland, though they only scored their first in the eighth minute of first-half stoppage time, but the floodgates opened in the second half given the victors created six big chances and did not face a shot from inside the box.
Manager Bruno Lage has already achieved history given his side had never qualified for the Club World Cup, and while they had twice participated in the competition’s predecessor – the Intercontinental Cup – they lost both matches they played in those tournaments.
Meanwhile, Bayern emerged as 2-1 victors against Argentinian opponents Boca Juniors on Saturday, becoming the first side to beat a South American team in the Club World Cup in 10 matches.
Bayern only need a point to top the group, and finishing first would ensure they play the runners-up of either group B, D, F or H.
The Bavarians boast a phenomenal record against Benfica considering they are undefeated in their last seven matches against their opponents, winning six times while scoring 20 goals.
Thomas Muller picked up an injury last time out, so Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala and Kingsley Coman may be selected behind striker Harry Kane instead.
Bayern could look to substitute players early in the second half in order to avoid injury, and doing so may benefit Benfica.
Kompany will still expect his team to claim all three points, especially as his side have been phenomenal in the final third, and they are likely to score multiple goals.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
