The much-anticipated Group C clash between Portuguese giants Benfica and German powerhouse Bayern Munich headlines the third round of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025 in Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium. This encounter not only features two of the continent’s most exciting attacking units but also serves as a litmus test for each side’s ambitions in this evolving global competition. It is worth noting that while Bayern comes in as favorites with an impressive run, Benfica’s vibrant blend of youth and experience—and their high-scoring displays—suggest they are capable of complicating any narrative.
All eyes will be on Ángel Di María, whose creative spark and 3-goal tally in the tournament have been pivotal for Benfica, and Jamal Musiala for Bayern, whose surge forward from midfield has already produced 3 goals in just two appearances. Both possess the kind of match-winning brilliance that can tilt the tactical balance in a flash.
Perhaps the most eye-catching statistic ahead of this match is Bayern Munich’s relentless attack, having scored 12 goals in their last two tournament outings—a figure that underlines their status as one of the most feared offensive teams in the competition.
| 🏆 Tournament: | FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025 (Group C phase) |
| 🏟 Venue: | Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, US |
| 🗓️ Date: | 24.06.2025 |
| ⏰ Time: | 22:00 CEST |
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Benfica vs Bayern Munich prediction
Given recent form and squad quality, the best value prediction is a Bayern Munich victory, likely in a game featuring multiple goals on both sides. Bayern’s superior passing accuracy (averaging over 91% in the last two matches), clinical finishing, and well-drilled defensive unit under Vincent Kompany are considerable edges. Benfica boasts attacking prowess—scoring eight in their last two games—but defensive lapses have been evident, particularly when pressed by well-organized fronts. This matchup seems primed for open, attacking football, with Bayern exploiting spaces behind Benfica’s forward-thinking fullbacks.
Bayern’s disciplined approach (collecting just 1 yellow card over their last five matches and conceding a mere 24 fouls) sharply contrasts with Benfica’s higher foul (44) and caution (9 yellow cards) counts, which could hamper their aggressiveness and see momentum swing should bookings mount. Expect Bayern’s control-oriented midfield (1,430 passes, 91% completion last five) to see plenty of possession, forcing Benfica into reactive stints. If Benfica is to clinch anything, it will depend on precise swift counters and moments of Di María magic.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Bayern Munich (-1) Asian Handicap |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 8.5 |
Team Analysis
Benfica’s most recent outing—a resounding 6-0 win over Auckland City—showcased their attacking sharpness, with Ángel Di María dictating the tempo and registering goals plus assists. Vangelis Pavlidis’s hold-up play and Barreiro’s free-running midfield surges exploited Auckland City’s deep defensive line. However, their 2-2 draw with Boca Juniors evidenced vulnerabilities when pressed aggressively, as seen in lapses by defenders under sustained attacks. In their domestic finale before the tournament, Benfica struggled against Sporting CP in a 1-3 defeat, with defensive transitions under scrutiny—a possible point of concern facing Bayern’s high press.
Bayern Munich, meanwhile, delivered a statement performance by thrashing Auckland City 10-0, followed by an assured 2-1 victory versus Boca Juniors. Jamal Musiala and Michael Olise have injected incisive movement and creativity into the final third, while Thomas Müller’s tactical leadership remains vital. Bayern’s shape under Kompany (5-4-1, morphing into 3-4-3 when attacking) enables overloads and quick switches, minimizing exposure at the back. In their recent Bundesliga close, they blazed past Hoffenheim and outclassed Borussia Mönchengladbach, underlining both depth and tactical nuance.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Benfica | Bayern Munich |
|---|---|---|
| Total shots | 7 | 10 |
| Free kicks | 12 | 11 |
| Corner kicks | 5 | 6 |
| Total fouls | 14 | 9 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 84 | 88 |
| Interceptions | 9 | 11 |
| Offsides | 3 | 2 |
🚨Read our full Benfica vs Bayern Munich stats for more analysis.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Bayern Munich the favourite
- Moneyline Benfica 4.44 | Bayern Munich 2.01
- Draw 3.05
- Over/Under Over 2.5 1.80 | Under 2.5 2.00
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.68 | No 2.15
Bayern Munich is justifiably favored, with odds reflecting both superior form and squad consistency. While Benfica carries an outside shot, bookmakers are wary of Bayern’s free-scoring attack—already 12 goals in two matches—against a Benfica defense that has shown frailty under pressure. The draw is priced fairly, recognizing Benfica’s penchant for high-scoring games and their ability to grind out results, though winning seems a stretch against current Bayern efficiency.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
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Possible Starting Lineups
Benfica possible starting eleven
- GK: Anatolii Trubin
- DF: Nicolás Otamendi, Antonio Silva, Álvaro Fernández Carreras, Adrian Bajrami
- MF: Orkun Kökçü, Florentino Luís, Ángel Di María, Fredrik Aursnes, Leandro Barreiro
- FW: Vangelis Pavlidis
Bruno Lage is likely to deploy his preferred 4-2-3-1, retaining midfield stability with Florentino Luís and Orkun Kökçü while unleashing Di María high in the right half-space. Expect Barreiro and Aursnes to shuttle between lines, supporting Pavlidis. The back four’s experience is crucial but will be severely tested by Bayern’s transition. Di María remains the key orchestrator, while Pavlidis’s off-ball movement is another factor to track.
Bayern Munich possible starting eleven
- GK: Manuel Neuer
- DF: Jonathan Tah, Dayot Upamecano, Raphaël Guerreiro, Sacha Boey, Josip Stanišić
- MF: Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Jamal Musiala
- FW: Michael Olise, Harry Kane
Kompany should maintain the 5-4-1, affording both defensive solidity and attacking width. Neuer’s presence anchors the defense, while Tah and Upamecano marshal the line. Kimmich and Goretzka regulate tempo, with Musiala’s surges breaking lines. Olise and Kane provide complementary skill sets: Olise’s directness and Kane’s link-up play. Olise, in scorching form, is one to watch as he drifts between lines.
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Bayern Munich. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo
The Verdict
Bayern Munich’s dominance in transitional attacks and disciplined shape should see them edge this contest, but Benfica’s raw attacking output—9 goals in just two games—indicates we’re in for a high-scoring affair. My main pick is Bayern Munich to win with both teams to find the net, though punters should not discount the possibility of a late twist from Di María. With tactical discipline and explosive transitions both at play, expect an enthralling encounter that showcases the depth and spectacle of the Intercontinental Cup.

