Bayern’s heat battle with Benfica: 5️⃣ key factors that mattered | OneFootball

Benfica defeated Bayern 1-0 in the Club World Cup group stage match on June 24, 2025. Andreas Schjelderup's early goal in the 13th minute decided the game. Despite dominant possession and numerous chances, Bayern remained goalless. Coach Vincent Kompany made significant changes after halftime, but even stars like Kane and Kimmich couldn't prevent the defeat.

Five Key Factors

1️⃣ Extreme heat influenced tactics

The heat in the USA was brutal: 36°C in the shade, felt like 44°C. Therefore, substitute players stayed in air-conditioned areas. Bayern used special cooling sticks to prevent overheating.

Such conditions drastically change the running volume, drinking breaks, and substitution rhythm.

2️⃣ Rotation disrupted the game flow

Kompany wanted to conserve energy and swapped out six players. The team appeared uncoordinated afterward, which Benfica exploited. Only the return of the original players brought back structure.

In knockout tournaments, excessive rotation can cost valuable automatisms.

3️⃣ Much possession, little yield

Bayern had around 73% possession and twice as many shots on goal as Benfica (13 to 7), but only four of them were on target.

Dominance without precision in finishing remains useless against defensively strong opponents.

📸 PAUL ELLIS - AFP or licensors

4️⃣ Benfica's defensive art as the key

Benfica defended with discipline after the early lead. Keeper Trubin saved everything, the defense blocked and cleared resolutely.

Solid defense and quick transitions are Benfica's trump card on the international stage.

5️⃣ Financial consequences & tougher path

Bayern missed out on $2 million in bonuses due to the defeat and now has to face Flamengo in the round of 16 — instead of Chelsea.

More games against strong opponents mean higher stress and less revenue security.

Conclusion

The heat forces new game rules. Kompany's rotation shows a risk that can become expensive in the knockout system. Possession without goal scoring remains Bayern's weakness. Benfica confirms its reputation as a defensive stronghold.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

📸 Kevin C. Cox - 2025 Getty Images