FIFA CWC: Benfica need draw against Bayern to qualify for last 16

While Benfica are sweating on their FIFA Club World Cup (CWC) progression with Boca Juniors breathing down their necks, Bayern Munich have rubber stamped their ticket to the last 16 before this matchday three clash.
Benfica’s position going into matchday three appears commanding as they lead third-place Boca Juniors by three points with a seven-goal superior goal difference. But with the Argentine side facing group whipping boys Auckland City to close out their campaign, there’s no room for error for Benfica.
Simply avoiding defeat will see them progress, while a surprise win will even see them top the group, and after a 6-0 win against Auckland City on matchday two extended their unbeaten run inside 90 minutes to 15 matches (W10, D5), they should come into this clash confident they can progress to the knockouts on their CWC debut.
Two-time CWC winners Bayern booked their last-16 ticket with a game to spare in what was no real surprise given their standing as the highest-ranked team in Group C according to Opta’s power rankings.
They’ve already made history by securing the highest-ever winning margin at a CWC when they beat Auckland City 10-0 on matchday one, and with their two prior CWC appearances both ending in final victories, the omens are on their side.
Six wins from their last seven games should only reaffirm belief they’ll secure the point they need to top the group here.