Bayern have already secured their place in the last 16 after two wins in their first two Club World Cup matches – but Vincent Kompany’s team still have work to do ahead of their final group game against Benfica (Tuesday, 9pm CEST). The Bavarians' aim is, of course, to finish top of the group. "That's our goal. We want to win every game," said Aleksandar Pavlović, setting the tone for the match in Charlotte: "We'll do everything we can to finish first in the group."
The players are aware that Benfica will not be the only opponents Bayern will have to contend with in their final group stage match. Temperatures around 40°C are expected in the midday heat of North Carolina. "It's extreme," said Leon Goretzka about the furnace-like conditions in the stadium in Charlotte. It means the players have been preparing by drinking a lot, eating well and cooling down during breaks. "You do what you can." But in the end, both teams will have to deal with "being out there in the sun and trying to cope with it."
Fierce battle in white-hot conditions
Bayern are therefore expecting a heated battle in an even hotter stadium. Their opponents from Lisbon still have a lot to play for – the Portuguese record champions have not yet qualified for the knockout stages. "It'll be a tough game, similar to the one against Boca Juniors," said Raphaël Guerreiro. In the second group game against the 35-time Argentinian champions, Bayern struggled for long periods and only scored the winning goal in the final stages to secure a 2-1 win.
That’s why Guerreiro has set himself a big task for the clash with his Portuguese compatriots. "We'll give it everything and want to win. We've played well so far. Benfica are a strong side," said the 30-year-old. "I'm looking forward to the game; Benfica are a big club."
Pavlović pretty relaxed
The Bayern players aren't yet thinking about what might await them in the round of 16. After all, they have no influence over who their opponents will be. "If we want to win a tournament, we have to beat every opponent," said Pavlović, emphasising that his focus is entirely on Benfica for now. As far as the external conditions are concerned, the 21-year-old is pretty relaxed: "I'm someone who prefers the heat," said Pavlović. "I like it better than when it's cold and rainy."
All FIFA Club World Cup matches are being broadcast live and for free by streaming service DAZN, although broadcasters will differ in some countries.
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