Article
Match Preview: Bayern Munich vs. Auckland City
June 05, 2025
The FIFA Club World Cup brings together teams from around the globe, and this Sunday's clash between European giants Bayern Munich and Oceania champions Auckland City promises to be a David vs. Goliath encounter. With Vincent Kompany at the helm, Bayern look to stamp their authority early in the tournament, while Auckland aim to defy the odds on the world stage.
TEAM NEWS

Bayern Munich enter the match in strong form, having scored 53 goals and conceded just 20 in their last 20 home league fixtures. Their firepower, led by a deep and balanced squad, has seen them win 15 of those matches. Notable wins include victories over PSG (1–0), RB Leipzig (5–1), and Hoffenheim (5–0). Despite a few defensive slips, they’ve kept 9 clean sheets and failed to score only once.


Auckland City, meanwhile, are no pushovers in their domestic league. They’ve won 14 of their last 20 away games, scoring 46 goals and conceding only 13. Their strength lies in defensive organisation and clinical counterattacks, with an impressive 11 clean sheets. However, this will be a significant step up in opposition quality.


Lineups are yet to be announced, but Bayern are expected to rotate slightly while maintaining a strong core, whereas Auckland will likely field their most experienced XI.

Prediction

With a 96% predicted chance of victory, Bayern Munich are overwhelming favourites. Their attacking depth, physical dominance, and tournament experience make them a force too powerful for Auckland to handle. The New Zealand side may try to stay compact, but the gap in class is considerable.


Prediction: Bayern Munich 5–0 Auckland City

Expect Bayern to control possession and create plenty of chances, with multiple goals likely. A clean sheet also seems probable, given Auckland’s limited attacking xG in such matchups.