Benfica vs Auckland City: Final Score, Stats, Highlights & Prediction

Watching a European giant take on an Oceanian champion usually follows a predictable script—but the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup group stage match between Benfica and Auckland City added an unexpected twist. A thunderstorm forced a halftime delay, but once play resumed, Benfica’s quality overwhelmed a gallant Auckland City side 6-0.

Final Score: Benfica 6-0 Auckland City · Date: June 20, 2025 · Competition: FIFA Club World Cup · Top Scorer: Ángel Di María (2 goals) · Weather Delay: Thunderstorm at halftime

What is the prediction for Benfica vs Auckland City?

Before the match, analysts widely expected a comfortable Benfica victory. The Portuguese side had far superior squad depth and experience in global tournaments. Auckland City, the OFC champions, were considered heavy underdogs.

The final 6-0 scoreline exceeded most pre-match predictions, which typically forecast a 3-0 or 4-0 win. Source: ESPN pre-match analysis noted Benfica’s “overwhelming quality.”

“Benfica were expected to win comfortably, but even the most optimistic supporter couldn’t have predicted the 6-0 margin given the weather disruption.” – ESPN match report

What were the results of Benfica vs Auckland City?

Final score and match summary

The pattern: Benfica’s dominance in shots and possession translated into a lopsided scoreline, with all six goals coming from open play or penalties.

Goal scorers and key moments

• 45+8′ – Ángel Di María (penalty) – 1-0
• 53′ – Vangelis Pavlidis – 2-0
• 63′ – Renato Sanches – 3-0
• 76′ – Leandro Barreiro – 4-0
• 78′ – Leandro Barreiro – 5-0
• 90+8′ – Ángel Di María (penalty) – 6-0

The match was paused at halftime because of thunder and lightning. ESPN described the delay as “unusual for a Club World Cup match in Orlando.”

“The game was paused at halftime because of thunder and lightning. Play resumed after a 30-minute break.” – ESPN

What are the stats for Benfica vs Auckland City?

Possession and shots

What this means: Benfica’s 8:1 shot ratio and 64.7% possession underline their total control of the match.

Passing accuracy and fouls

Passing accuracy data was not reported in official match logs, but Benfica’s high possession suggests efficient ball circulation. Auckland City committed 12 fouls to Benfica’s 5, reflecting their defensive struggles. (Sofascore)

What were the lineups for Benfica vs Auckland City?

Starting XI for Benfica

Goalkeeper: Trubin; Defenders: Bah, Otamendi, Silva, Aursnes; Midfielders: Sanches, Kökçü, Di María; Forwards: Pavlidis, Barreiro, González.

Benfica fielded a strong squad including Di María and Otamendi, with no major surprises. (ESPN)

Starting XI for Auckland City

Goalkeeper: Williams; Defenders: Iwai, Morgan, Lovemore, Hudson; Midfielders: Howieson, Manickum, Garratt; Forwards: De Vries, Moreira, Lea’alafa. (Sofascore)

Substitutions used

Benfica made three second-half changes: Rollheiser for González, Tengstedt for Pavlidis, and Prestianni for Di María. Auckland City introduced Tronou, Rajab, and Choteau.

What are the highlights of Benfica vs Auckland City?

First half goals

The only goal of the first half came in the 8th minute of stoppage time – Ángel Di María converted a penalty after a handball in the box. The strike gave Benfica a slender lead at the break.

Second half dominance

After the delay, Benfica exploded. Pavlidis slotted home a cross from Sanches in the 53rd minute. Sanches then scored himself in the 63rd after a defensive error. Barreiro netted twice in quick succession (76′, 78′) before Di María added a second penalty in the 98th minute.

Weather delay impact

The 30-minute delay could have disrupted momentum, but Benfica used the break to refocus. Auckland City struggled to adapt to the resumption. Source: FIFA noted the “resilience of the winners.”

“The win moved Benfica to the top of Group C at least temporarily.” – FIFA

For a detailed look at the goals, lineups, and key moments, see the complete match breakdown from the same match.

Frequently Asked Questions