Brazilian giants handed shock test after Bayern stumble | OneFootball

Flamengo’s path at the Club World Cup has delivered a compelling twist, as the Brazilian champions now prepare for a round-of-16 clash with Bayern Munich in Miami this Sunday. The matchup, set for 17:00 Brasília time at the Hard Rock Stadium, comes in the wake of Bayern’s unexpected 1-0 group-stage defeat to Benfica—a result that left the German giants runners-up in Group C and paired them with Flamengo, Group D winners.

Much of the reaction after the draw centered around Bayern’s surprise setback. Managerial rotation played a role, with key figures like Harry Kane and Michael Olise starting on the bench in sweltering 40°C heat against Benfica. The decisive goal came from Andreas Schjelderup, as a largely rotated Bayern side couldn’t break down Benfica’s defense. The result marked Benfica’s first-ever win over Bayern and set social media abuzz, with Flamengo fans singling out Leroy Sané for a missed opportunity that could have changed the group dynamics. The anticipation had been that Flamengo’s first-place finish would allow them to avoid such a heavyweight opponent early in the knockouts.

For Flamengo, confidence remains high. Filipe Luís’ side progressed with a game to spare, after claiming victories over Espérance and Chelsea. Their unbeaten run has now reached ten matches across all competitions, buoyed by tactical acumen and depth in the squad. The manager opted for wholesale rotation in the final group fixture against LAFC, with top names like Pulgar, Gerson, Plata, and Bruno Henrique rested to lower suspension risk. Midfielder De La Cruz remains sidelined with a knee issue and is unlikely to feature against the Germans.

The stability of Flamengo’s squad continues to draw notice, particularly with right-back Wesley attracting transfer interest from major European clubs. Nevertheless, the club’s focus for now is fixed on the Club World Cup. They have moved to secure new terms for Varela, another option at full-back, signaling intent to preserve squad balance through the tournament.

The encounter with Bayern is set against the broader backdrop of Brazilian sides increasingly holding their own against European powerhouses. Flamengo enter with a blend of domestic and European experience, tactical flexibility, and a sense that the margin between South America’s elite and their European counterparts is narrowing.

With knockout football on the horizon and both clubs eager to prove a point in Miami, expectations are for a fiercely contested fixture. Flamengo’s task is a mighty one, but their momentum and cohesion have given them reason to believe.

Source: Lance, Globo

Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images