Bayern Munich secured their spot in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup with a 4-2 victory over Flamengo at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The German champions now face a high-profile showdown with European title holders Paris Saint-Germain.
The Bavarians made a flying start, racing into a 2-0 lead within the first 10 minutes. A Kimmich corner in the 6th minute was inadvertently headed into his own net by Flamengo’s Erick Pulgar. Just four minutes later, Harry Kane doubled the advantage with a powerful left-footed strike from outside the box, which deflected slightly before hitting the post and finding the back of the net.
Flamengo responded with resilience, reducing the deficit in the 33rd minute thanks to a thunderous left-footed shot under the bar by former Roma and Fiorentina midfielder Gerson, which flew past Manuel Neuer. However, Bayern re-established their two-goal cushion just before the break. Leon Goretzka fired in a low shot from distance that eluded goalkeeper Rossi, who was unsighted by teammates blocking his view. The first half extended to 53 minutes due to a technical issue with the referee’s audio equipment.
The second half saw Flamengo claw their way back into the game once again. In the 55th minute, Olise was penalized for a handball following a cross by Jorginho. The Italo-Brazilian midfielder converted the penalty confidently, sending Neuer the wrong way.
Despite the pressure, Bayern’s experience shone through. Manager Vincent Kompany introduced Leroy Sané, Aleksandar Pavlović, and Jamal Musiala to inject energy into the side. In the 73rd minute, a crucial error by Luiz Araújo in Flamengo’s build-up play gifted possession to Bayern. Kimmich found Kane, who clinically finished past Rossi with his right foot to seal the win.
Flamengo struggled to mount a response after the fourth goal. In stoppage time, Rossi denied Sané, who was playing his final match for Bayern, a farewell goal.
Bayern now advance to face PSG in a quarter-final clash that promises the intensity and quality of a Champions League final.
