Benfica secured their first victory on neutral soil in eight attempts with a commanding 6-0 win over Auckland City at the FIFA Club World Cup, condemning the New Zealanders to a seventh consecutive defeat in the tournament’s various formats.
The Portuguese side dominated from the outset at the sparsely filled venue, and though it took until first-half stoppage time to finally break the deadlock, the eventual margin of victory reflected their superiority. Ángel Di María was twice on the scoresheet, while Renato Sanches and Leandro Barreiro added further gloss to the scoreline in a rain-interrupted second half.
Kerem Aktürkoğlu set the tone within two minutes, dragging a shot wide when well placed. Auckland barely managed a touch early on, as Benfica enjoyed space in the wide areas, although Nicolás Otamendi’s overhead kick provided more spectacle than threat, landing safely in the hands of keeper Nathan Garrow.
Garrow was at his best throughout the first period, denying Orkun Kökçü and repeatedly frustrating Benfica’s attackers. Jerson Lagos briefly offered Auckland hope with a blocked effort, while Haris Zeb and Myer Bevan helped lift the team’s tempo upfront.
But Benfica’s pressure was relentless. After a disallowed goal and a flurry of wasted chances from Di María, Aktürkoğlu, and Vangelis Pavlidis, Auckland’s resistance finally crumbled in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time when Zeb fouled Gianluca Prestianni in the box. Di María stepped up and converted calmly from the spot.
Torrential rain and adverse weather delayed the second half by over two hours, but once play resumed, Benfica wasted no time asserting their control. Zeb came close for Auckland with a low drive, but Pavlidis finished clinically to make it 2-0, and substitute Renato Sanches soon added a third with a spectacular strike from distance.
Barreiro then pounced twice in quick succession, scoring in the 75th and 77th minutes as Auckland visibly tired. The match ended as it had begun, with Di María on the scoresheet, converting another penalty in added time after Nikko Boxall’s clumsy challenge.
The final scoreline flattered Benfica, given their inefficient first-half performance, but their second-half dominance erased any doubt. Goalkeeper Nathan Garrow’s efforts prevented an even more humiliating defeat for Auckland, whose tournament ends with two heavy losses and 16 goals conceded.
Benfica now face Bayern Munich in their final Group C game, though concerns may remain after their early struggles. Auckland, meanwhile, will conclude their campaign against Boca Juniors, already resigned to another early exit.
