SL Benfica will look for a first win of their FIFA Club World Cup campaign after coming back from two goals down in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Argentine giants Boca Juniors.
The game was a fiery affair, with 3 players dismissed. The Portuguese team will look for a more comfortable performance when they face Auckland City who lost 10-0 to FC Bayern Munich in their opening match of the group. The game will be played at the Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando on June 20 at 17:00 GMT.
Match Preview
Benfica came into the tournament on the back of a strong domestic season in Portugal’s Primeira Liga, where they finished second and secured qualification for the UEFA Champions League.
Their attacking prowess was evident, averaging over two goals per game in league play. However, the Eagles headed into the tournament on the back of an agonising 3-1 extra-time defeat against arch-rivals Sporting in the Taca de Portugal final.
The Portuguese giants have a potent attack, with an expected goals (xG) output of 3.6 against Auckland City, according to recent statistical models. However, their defence has occasionally been breached, having conceded in their last four competitive matches.
Auckland City, perennial champions of the OFC Champions League, are no strangers to the Club World Cup, having appeared in multiple editions. However, their recent domestic form has been inconsistent, with a 2-1 loss to Waiheke United in the Chatham Cup exposing defensive frailties. Ranked significantly lower than their European counterparts, Auckland are expected to struggle against Benfica’s firepower.
The two sides have never met, but Benfica’s experience against top-tier opposition gives them a clear edge. Manager Bruno Lage will be wary of complacency, as Auckland’s disciplined approach and counter-attacking threat could pose problems if underestimated.
Benfica’s last four matches across all competitions have ended in draws after 90 minutes. Meanwhile, Auckland City have won three and lost two of their last five games in all competitions.
Benfica FIFA Club World Cup form:
Benfica form (all competitions):
Auckland City FIFA Club World Cup form:
Auckland City form (all competitions):
Team News
Benfica are expected to field a strong lineup, with Vangelis Pavlidis leading the line after his impressive goal-scoring form in the Primeira Liga. Italian striker Andrea Belotti is ruled out after picking up a straight red card against Boca Juniors.
Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Orkun Kökçü could provide creativity from the wings and midfield, respectively. The trio have been highlighted for their attacking output, with Pavlidis boasting an xG+xAG/90 of 0.96 and 26 goal involvements this season.
In defence, Nicolás Otamendi and António Silva are set to anchor the backline, with Alvaro Carreras and Samuel Dahl at full-back. Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, a regular in the Primeira Liga, is expected to start.
Auckland City will likely rely on captain Mario Ilich to hold the midfield together. Striker Ryan De Vries, their leading scorer in the OFC Champions League, is a key threat up top. Defensively, Nikko Boxall and Adam Mitchell will need to be at their best to contain Benfica’s attack. Coach Paul Posa may opt for a compact 5-4-1 to frustrate the Portuguese side.
Benfica possible starting lineup:
Trubin; Carreras, Silva, Otamendi, Dahl; Kökçü, Florentino, Aursnes; Aktürkoğlu, Di María, Pavlidis
Auckland City possible starting lineup:
Tracey; Lobo, Boxall, Den Heijer, Mitchell, Murati; Manickum, Ilich, Garriga, Yoo; De Vries,
We Say: Benfica 5-0 Auckland City
Benfica’s superior quality and attacking depth should prove too much for Auckland City, who face an uphill battle against one of Europe’s elite. The Eagles’ clinical finishing, led by Pavlidis and Aktürkoğlu, is likely to secure a comfortable victory.
While Auckland City’s organisation and grit may keep the scoreline respectable for a period, Benfica’s relentless pressure should yield a convincing win.
