Bayern Munich suffered a disappointing 1-0 loss to Benfica in their Champions League group stage match in Charlotte, North Carolina. The defeat not only denied the team a crucial win but also eliminated some key financial benefits and made their quarterfinal path more challenging.
The loss means Bayern Munich will miss out on €2m for a win and €1m for a draw, as well as avoid playing a physically demanding midday match against top opponents like PSG, Inter, Real Madrid, and Manchester City. Instead, they will face a night-time quarterfinal match.
Coach Vincent Kompany’s rotation strategy has been questioned, with the team opting to play key players like Jamal Musiala in less critical matches earlier in the tournament. While some flexibility is needed, this decision was puzzling given the high stakes of the Benfica match. In a crucial game against a strong opponent, it would have been reasonable for Kompany to deploy a more knockout-like strategy.
Source: https://www.bavarianfootballworks.com/2025/6/25/24455476/what-the-draw-vs-benfica-cost-bayern-munich-transfers-club-world-cup-kompany-kimmich-muller-kane