Day 11 of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup delivered high drama, emotional exits, and breakout moments as the final group stage matches unfolded across four U.S. cities. From Benfica’s shock win over Bayern to Auckland City’s fairytale draw against Boca Juniors, the day was filled with underdog triumphs, tactical brilliance, and global fanfare. With knockout spots on the line, every minute counted—and the football world was watching.
Benfica 1–0 Bayern Munich
In a surprise Group C clash in Charlotte, Benfica stunned Bayern Munich with a late goal by Andreas Schjelderup in the 13th minute, holding firm until the final whistle. Bayern took the lead early in match tempo, but struggled to convert possession into chances. Thomas Müller, fielded as a striker turned playmaker, admitted the result stung, noting the team “responded better after halftime” yet still “could’ve earned a draw.”
Online fans reacted swiftly: “Benfica’s tactics were perfect—Bayern looked rattled,” while Bayern loyalists lamented missed opportunities: “Heat got to them, but that’s on Mario Götze’s half-time switch.” Benfica topped the group, earning a Round-of-16 match-up with Chelsea.
Auckland City 1–1 Boca Juniors
Auckland City, New Zealand’s amateur representative, held powerhouse Boca Juniors to a 1–1 draw in Nashville—an astonishing result. The defining moment came in the 52nd minute, when Auckland’s trainee-teacher-turned-scorer Christian Gray converted an own goal after sustained pressure. Fans from New Zealand strewn social media with pride: “Our locals just proved heart beats money,” and AP News dubbed the performance “heroic.”
Boca couldn’t find the winning touch, but admitted that the underdogs earned their moment. For Auckland City, the draw was a historic highlight amid their tournament exit.
Chelsea 3–0 Espérance de Tunis
Chelsea wrapped up Group D in dominant fashion, beating Espérance de Tunis 3–0 in Philadelphia’s blistering heat (35 °C). Goals from Tosin Adarabioyo (45+3′), standout newcomer Liam Delap—his first for the Blues (45+5′)—and late strike by Tyrique George sealed victory.
Manager Enzo Maresca commended the squad’s adaptability, while social media buzzed about Delap’s impact: “Delap looks like he’s been here for years,” and “Depth is Chelsea’s biggest asset now.” Despite a red-card suspension looming over Nicolas Jackson, fans were buoyed by the performance. Chelsea progressed as Group D runners-up and will now face Benfica.
LAFC 1–1 Flamengo
In Orlando, eliminated LAFC pushed Group D leaders Flamengo all the way in a 1–1 draw. Denis Bouanga jolted the crowd with a strike in the 84th minute, only to be matched swiftly by substitute Wallace Yan in the 86th minute
Flamengo’s coach Filipe Luis, who rotated seven players to rest key starters, praised the depth and praised their ability to maintain momentum: “We dominated, despite the break.” On social media, fans applauded Flamengo’s poise: “Still unbeaten and that late equalizer showed mentality.” LAFC supporters were heartened: “We gave them a scare—even after knockout hopes ended.”
Day 11 will be remembered for its compelling mix of underdog resilience, tactical surprises, and star performances under adverse conditions. Benfica heads into the knockouts on a high, Chelsea gather momentum, Auckland City earned global respect, and Flamengo preserved their unbeaten run.
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