New Zealanders claim historic point as Argentinians exit the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 winless
In the third and final round of Group C of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Auckland City and Boca Juniors played to a 1-1 draw on Tuesday afternoon (June 24) at Geodis Park, in Nashville (USA). The result confirmed the elimination of both teams from the tournament, but it was a moment of celebration for the New Zealanders, who earned their first-ever point in the history of the competition. Meanwhile, Boca Juniors, despite a star-studded squad and needing a resounding victory, finished third in the group and also missed out on the round of 16.
Boca Juniors, needing a win and hoping for an SL Benfica loss to Bayern Munich, pushed forward from the start. The Argentine side attacked mostly down the flanks, relying heavily on crosses, and hit the woodwork twice in the first half. Their goal came in the 26th minute, from a corner taken by Alan Velasco. Defender Lautaro Di Lollo rose highest and headed the ball off the post, which then ricocheted off goalkeeper Nathan Garrow and into the net for an own goal.
In the second half, Auckland City stunned their opponents. At the 52nd minute (7’ of the second half), following a corner kick from Jerson Lagos, defender Christian Gray outjumped the Argentine defense and sent a precise header into the bottom right corner past Agustín Marchesín, leveling the match and scoring Auckland’s first goal of the tournament. Moments later, the match was halted for nearly 50 minutes due to storm alerts in Nashville.
When play resumed, Boca Juniors found the net again through Miguel Merentiel, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review confirmed a handball by Kevin Zenón in the buildup. The Argentinians kept up the pressure until stoppage time, but were consistently denied by a solid performance from goalkeeper Nathan Garrow, who made several decisive saves.
Despite the draw, Auckland City’s players celebrated jubilantly at the final whistle, fully aware of the historic milestone achieved against one of the South American football giants.
Man of the Match: Christian Gray (Auckland City)
According to FIFA.com, Christian Gray was named Man of the Match. Besides scoring Auckland City’s historic goal, Gray delivered a commanding performance in defense intercepting crosses, blocking shots, and leading his teammates with composure. At just 23 years old and working as a physical education teacher in New Zealand, Gray shone against a Boca attack led by Edinson Cavani, Miguel Merentiel, and Carlos Palacios. His commitment, positioning, and aerial prowess were crucial in securing the draw and earning him a place in club history.
Portuguese Side Secures Historic Win and Tops Group C at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025
In the third and decisive round of Group C at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Benfica defeated Bayern Munich 1–0 in a match played under intense heat on Tuesday (June 24) at GEODIS Park, in Nashville, USA. With this result, the Portuguese team secured first place in the group and advanced to the Round of 16, while the German side, already qualified, finished second. The match was highlighted by an early goal from Andreas Schjelderup, Benfica’s solid defensive display, and a standout performance from goalkeeper Anatolii Trubin.
The only goal of the game came in the 13th minute of the first half. Midfielder Fredrik Aursnes made a clever play down the right wing and sent in a low cross. Norwegian youngster Schjelderup timed his run perfectly and struck first-time into the bottom-left corner, leaving Manuel Neuer with no chance. It was Benfica’s first-ever goal against Bayern Munich in official competitions, breaking a 13-match winless streak against the German giants (10 losses and 3 draws).
Still in the first half, Benfica continued to dominate. Renato Sanches and Ángel Di María both tested Neuer with long-range efforts, forcing the Bayern keeper into crucial saves. The German side, lacking creativity, struggled to break through Benfica’s disciplined defensive lines.
In the second half, Bayern improved after bringing on Harry Kane, Joshua Kimmich, and Michael Olise. In the 51st minute, Leroy Sané unleashed a powerful shot from distance, but Trubin made a sharp save. Minutes later, Thomas Müller had a clear chance, only to be denied once again by the Ukrainian goalkeeper.
Bayern kept pressing in the final moments, with further attempts from Aleksandar Pavlovic and Sané, but Benfica stood firm. The referee added eight minutes of stoppage time, and the match remained tense until the final whistle. Ultimately, the Encarnados held on to confirm a famous and historic victory.
Player of the Match: Anatolii Trubin (Benfica)
According to FIFA.com, Anatolii Trubin was named Man of the Match for his exceptional performance in goal. Making at least five crucial saves, Trubin was instrumental in preserving Benfica’s lead. His game reading, command in the box, and lightning-fast reflexes on close-range shots provided a pillar of security for the Portuguese side. On a sweltering evening with sustained pressure from Bayern, Trubin stood tall and proved vital to Benfica’s qualification.
Final Group C Standings
Benfica finished the group stage as Group C leaders with seven points, from two wins and one draw, scoring nine goals and conceding just two. Bayern Munich, despite their loss, secured second place with six points, from two wins and one defeat. Boca Juniors, with two draws and one loss, ended with two points and were eliminated, as were Auckland City, who celebrated their first-ever point in the competition but still finished bottom of the group.
Next Fixtures
With their top-place finish, Benfica will face either Chelsea in the Round of 16. Bayern Munich, meanwhile, will meet a formidable opponent in Flamengo.
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