Priyanka Tiwari
Share
Suspense crime, Digital Desk : The new-look FIFA Club World Cup delivered a day of stunning drama and shocking upsets, as European giants were humbled while underdogs etched their names into the tournament's history. While Chelsea sailed smoothly into the knockout stages, the day will be remembered for Benfica's stunning victory over Bayern Munich and a heroic performance from minnows Auckland City against Boca Juniors.
Two more #FIFACWC Round of 16 match ups confirmed. ✅ pic.twitter.com/P5GsCoLTbT
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 25, 2025
In the day's biggest shock, Portuguese side Benfica executed a tactical masterclass to defeat German powerhouse Bayern Munich 1-0. A disciplined defense frustrated Bayern's star-studded attack before a lightning-fast counter-attack sealed the famous victory. The result throws Group C wide open and leaves Bayern's qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
The final scores from Groups C and D. ????#FIFACWC
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 25, 2025
The fairytale story of the day came from Auckland City. The semi-professional side from New Zealand produced a defensive performance for the ages, holding Argentine giants Boca Juniors to a goalless draw. Despite relentless pressure from Boca, Auckland's resilience earned them a historic point and one of the biggest upsets in the tournament's history.
Auckland ???? Boca #FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/Y4JdY4UVa6
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 25, 2025
Amidst the chaos, Chelsea brought a sense of order to their group. The Premier League side secured their spot in the Round of 16 with a comfortable 2-0 win over Al-Hilal. Goals from Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku ensured their smooth passage, making them the first team to officially qualify from the group stage.
The day's results perfectly encapsulated the promise of the expanded 32-team format, highlighting the growing competitiveness of global club football and proving that on any given day, giants can fall.
Read More: Ryan ten Doeschate Stresses Urgency for India to Clinch Series Against South Africa
