Category: Football

Benfica vs Bayern: CWC Betting Preview | StarBet

Post author By seo-team
Post date June 23, 2025

Benfica vs Bayern Munich | StarBet Predictions Today

Benfica vs Bayern: CWC Betting Preview | StarBet

Benfica vs Bayern Munich is shaping up to be a big one. The FIFA Club World Cup Group C is coming down to the wire, and all eyes are on this clash happening on June 24, 2025. Benfica need a result here to avoid Boca Juniors in the next round and keep their playoff hopes alive. Bayern, on the other hand, are already through—but they’ll want to keep their unbeaten run going.

Current Form

Benfica (WWDDDW)

Benfica come into this match in good shape. They just smashed Auckland City 6-0, extending their unbeaten streak in regular time to 15 games. Offensively, they’ve been flying—18 goals in their last six outings. Di María, Barreiro, and Pavlidis are all hitting form when it matters most.

That said, they can’t take anything for granted. Boca still have to play Auckland, so Benfica need at least a draw to stay safe. A win might even see them top the group.

Bayern Munich (WDWWWW)

Bayern have done what Bayern usually do—dominate. They crushed Auckland 10-0 and edged Boca 2-1. Over their last six games, they’ve scored 26 and let in just three.

They’ve now won six straight Club World Cup matches. They’re already through to the next round, but you can bet they’ll still want to finish the group stage with a perfect record.

Quick Stats

Benfica: 23 goals in their last 6 games
Bayern: 26 goals scored, 3 conceded over the same stretch

Probable Starting XI

Benfica (4-2-3-1): Trubin; Barreiro, Silva, Otamendi, Carreras; Aursnes, Sanches; Di Maria, Kokcu, Akturkoglu; Pavlidis
Coach: Roger Schmidt

Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Laimer, Tah, Stanisic, Guerreiro; Kimmich, Goretzka; Olise, Gnabry, Coman; Kane
Coach: Vincent Kompany

Injury Updates

Benfica: Tomas Araujo is out
Bayern: Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala are expected to miss this one

Benfica vs Bayern – Head-to-Head

This matchup has been all in favor of Bayern over the years.

Total games played: 7
Bayern wins: 6
Draws: 1
Benfica wins: 0
Total goals: Bayern 20 – Benfica 5

Past Meetings

Date	Tournament	Result
Apr 5, 2016	UCL QF 1st Leg	Bayern 1–0 Benfica
Apr 13, 2016	UCL QF 2nd Leg	Benfica 2–2 Bayern (Bayern win 3–2 on agg)
Sept 19, 2018	UCL Group	Benfica 0–2 Bayern
Nov 28, 2018	UCL Group	Bayern 5–1 Benfica
Oct 20, 2021	UCL Group	Benfica 0–4 Bayern
Nov 2, 2021	UCL Group	Bayern 5–2 Benfica
Nov 6, 2024	UCL Group	Bayern 1–0 Benfica

Bayern have had the upper hand every time, and they’ll go into this one with that confidence.

Players to Watch

Di María (Benfica): He’s got three goals in the tournament so far and brings experience. Still chasing his first goal against Bayern though—he’s tried nine times.
Michael Olise (Bayern): Player of the moment. He’s scored in six straight matches and contributed in five assists. His link-up with Kane has been effectively.

Betting Tips & Odds – StarBet

Thinking of placing a bet through StarBet? Here are the key odds:

Match Result Odds

Benfica to win: 4.20
Draw: 3.20
Bayern to win: 2.04

Top Bets Worth Considering

Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Looks likely given both sides’ attacking form
Over 2.5 Goals: This one feels like it could deliver plenty of action
First Goalscorer: Kane and Di María are strong options
Halftime/Fulltime: Bayern/Bayern could be good value

Tip: Even if Bayern rotate the squad, they’ve got depth. A draw suits both, but Bayern might still push for the win.

Score Prediction

Bayern have history and depth, but Benfica are hungry and in form. Expect a lively game with chances on both ends.

Predicted Score: Bayern 2-1 Benfica

Both teams to score? ✅
First to score? Bayern

For More Tips

Check out the StarBet football predictions page for more betting insights.

How to Bet on StarBet

Placing a bet is simple:

Go to the StarBet website
Click ‘Join’ and sign up using your mobile number
Deposit with mobile money
Pick your match and market
Place your bet and enjoy the action

Why Bet with StarBet?

Here’s what you get:

Great welcome bonuses for new users
Live betting options
Fast and easy mobile withdrawals
Friendly support from a local team

Football

Club World Cup Rising Stars: Young Players Set to Shine

Post author By seo-team
Post date June 20, 2025

Home » Football » Page 2

Club World Cup Rising Stars: Young Players Set to Shine

Club World Cup Stars. Under the summer sun and with the world watching, the Club World Cup has become more than just a stage for champions. It’s turning into the perfect platform for the next generation of football stars to break through. But beyond the big matches and celebration, something greater is happening: an underground emergence of potential superstars.

Some are already known to scouts and fans across Europe; some remain unknown, with the potential next match as a crucial moment. What do they have in common? They possess youth, hunger and likely have something to prove this summer in the USA.

Rising Stars to Watch at the Club World Cup

From European giants to South American prodigies, here’s a breakdown of the young talents poised to steal the spotlight at this year’s tournament.

PSG’s Teenage Typhoon

Wearing a PSG shirt means you’re rarely unnoticed. But even on a team that crushed Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final, a few young faces are starting to stand out.

At 19, Desire Doue made headlines with two goals and an assist against Bayern Munich. He followed it up with another great performance in Pasadena where PSG destroyed Atletico Madrid. He didn’t score a goal, but 18-year-old Senny Mayulu scored the last goal, continuing his positive momentum. Mayulu has five goals and three assists to date in limited opportunities; we’re watching him blossom in real time.

But the youngest face out there? That would be Ibrahim Mbaye, just 17. Mbaye already looks at home on the big stage. His quickness and audacity earned him a spot on Luis Enrique’s call-up, and his assist on PSG’s fourth goal in Pasadena shows he isn’t afraid of the moment.

Also presenting is 20-year-old Joao Neves, who played over 3,700 minutes last season. He’s got youthful stamina and tackling to keep him ever-present in the midfield central position.

Lastly, 19-year-old Warren Zaire-Emery. He had 23 league starts last season, putting him among an elite few whom PSG needed to win Ligue 1 early to legitimize talent; he was also a frequent tactical choice for Enrique, who blended youth with age-old experience.

PSG isn’t just playing to win. They’re building something that lasts.

Bayern Munich’s Quiet Revolution

Bayern’s youth pipeline is still flowing strong. One of their smartest moves this summer might be signing Tom Bischof, 19, from Hoffenheim. A tireless midfielder with sharp vision, he fits right into Bayern’s system.

17-year-old Lennart Karl didn’t play in the 10-0 thrashing of Auckland City, but he got his shot after being rested for most last year. As soon as he touched the pitch, he was like a young Arjen Robben.

Out wide, Adam Aznou, 19, is showing potential after a loan at Valladolid. Born in Spain but committed to Morocco, he’s pushing for a regular spot in Vincent Kompany’s backline.

Red Bull Salzburg: The Austrian Assembly Line

Over in Austria, Oscar Gloukh, 21, continues to drive Salzburg forward. Even if this year was a bit rocky. Always a step behind the running advances in fluidity, he plays with both feet and has his head up looking for that key ball.

Right next to him is Nene Dorgeles. He’s 22, technically just outside our age group, but hard to ignore. With 13 goals and four assists, his unpredictable style and sharp finishing brought real danger to Salzburg’s attack.

The Argentine Inheritance

Just 17, Franco Mastantuono has River Plate buzzing—and Real Madrid too. With seven goal contributions in his last ten games, he’s already the heart of River’s midfield. After this tournament, he’s off to Madrid in a €63.2 million deal, hoping to follow in Messi’s footsteps.

He’ll get a serious test against Inter, with a chance to show he can hang with Europe’s best.

Madrid already has some exciting young talent—Endrick (18) and Arda Güler (20) among them. With injuries opening the door, they’ll get a chance to impress new manager Xabi Alonso, who’s known for trusting young players.

From Brazil to the Bridge

Estevao Willian, 18, has been lighting up Brazil’s top league, scoring 13 and giving full-backs nightmares. He’s set to join Chelsea later this summer, bringing his swagger and sharp left foot to London.

Cherki and the English Wave

At Manchester City, the focus is on creativity. They’ve brought in Rayan Cherki, 21—a tricky, balanced dribbler with an eye for the final pass. Some say he has shades of De Bruyne in his game. Pep Guardiola might experiment with lineups, but Cherki will definitely provide the spark.

Over at Juventus, City’s Group G opponents, Kenan Yildiz, 20, is one to watch. He led the team in take-ons last season and brings a nonstop, attacking style that keeps defenders guessing.

The Bellingham Legacy Continues

The Bellingham name is still going strong. Jobe Bellingham 19, transferred to Dortmund, like his brother Jude. He’s turning heads in practice already and an anticipated future key component of the midfield.

Another anticipated prospect next to him is Jamie Gittens, 20. He came out flying last season before tiring out, but his speed and ability to break down defenses are still a huge asset.

Chelsea’s Understudy Army

Back at Chelsea, Tyrique George, 19, is making a case for more minutes. After showing promise against LAFC, he’s another young attacker pushing for a bigger role.

Andrey Santos, 21, didn’t feature in that match but did well on loan at Strasbourg. He could take on a deeper midfield role this summer.

Porto’s Twin Threats

At Porto, Samu Aghehowa is making the old-school No. 9 cool again. Standing at 6’4″ with 25 goals in 39 games, he’s powerful but also surprisingly smooth on the ball.

Right behind him is Rodrigo Mora, 19, a smaller playmaker with a veteran’s calm and a scoring record that topped all other under-20s in Europe’s big leagues.

Defenders on the Rise

In defense, Dean Huijsen, 20, has moved from Bournemouth to Real Madrid and is aiming to prove he belongs with the best. Over at Benfica, Antonio Silva, 21, is already a cornerstone—tough, reliable, and always locked in.

Then there’s Jair Cunha, a 6’6″ center-back from Botafogo, likely heading to Nottingham Forest. He’s already making noise, scoring a header against Seattle Sounders and looking like a force in the air.

The Midfield Pulse

Seattle’s 19-year-old Obed Vargas is the perfect midfielder any coach would want—calm, well positioned, aware, and active. Over in Argentina, Milton Delgado, freshly 20, is being hailed as Boca Juniors’ next big thing.

He was the best U-20 defensive midfielder in the world according to the CIES Football Observatory in April. His intelligence and awareness are ahead of his time.

Scouting, Breakouts, and the Stakes

This tournament isn’t just about silverware—it’s a shop window. With global scouts watching, one great performance can shift a player’s entire career. Clubs are using advanced metrics, AI tools, and real-time tracking to identify breakout talent faster than ever.

Beyond that, there’s the pull of a transfer. A standout tournament here has led to massive moves in the past, and history could repeat itself this summer.

The Summer of Becoming

This isn’t just any tournament; it’s the Club World Cup that future generations will remember. This will be the competition that sparks the first recognition of Club World Cup Stars.

Presently, these youths are just trying to make their way—play, pass, dribble, and get attention. But sometimes, those little moments are where big careers begin. And we’re lucky enough to see it all unfold.

Football

PSG’s Club World Cup Journey: From Statement Win to Shock Defeat

Post author By seo-team
Post date June 20, 2025

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PSG’s Club World Cup Journey: From Statement Win to Shock Defeat

Paris Saint-Germain came to the Club World Cup with a point to prove. PSG was set for an international championship this season after years of European history. After defeating Atletico Madrid 4-0 in their opening game, they were feeling confident. That was until a few days later, when they succumbed to Brazil’s Botafogo, 1-0.

Now, to some, this isn’t the most prestigious tournament; however, PSG knows after a quick turnaround during the season that with the new format in place, every single game matters, and every team faces the same challenge today.

A Flying Start: PSG Crush Atletico

PSG’s opening leg almost went according to plan. Defeating Atletico Madrid 4-0 at the Rose Bowl meant that PSG was in control, on a mission, and well-staffed and lined up. There was no shortage of motivation to win; the team lost in elimination from the Champions League last season to Atletico.

From the first whistle, it was one-way traffic. PSG held 82.2% possession in the first 15 minutes. Fabian Ruiz struck first in the 18th, finishing off a smart pass from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Before halftime, Vitinha made it 2-0, again with Kvaratskhelia as the provider.

Luis Enrique’s squad didn’t let up. Senny Mayulu added a third off the bench and Lee Kang-in sealed the rout with a stoppage-time penalty. PSG completed 818 passes to Atletico’s 276, ending with 92.7% pass accuracy. Atletico had one shot on goal the entire game.

Kvaratskhelia led the charge from the front, Ruiz and Vitinha controlled the midfield with safe plays left and right, and Mendes was quiet, but effective defensively. Every player shined. Coach Enrique knew how to sub in his bench to keep morale high and showcase card depth.

It wasn’t just a win. It was a message.

A Sudden Reality Check: Botafogo Stun PSG

Then came the twist. PSG’s next match, against Copa Libertadores champions Botafogo, was supposed to build on that momentum. Instead, it handed them a reality check.

The only goal came early. Igor Jesus slipped between PSG center-backs Pacho and Beraldo, latching onto a clever through ball from Marlon Freitas. His low shot deflected off Pacho and wrong-footed Donnarumma.

PSG responded after the break. Gonçalo Ramos nearly equalized with a header, but Botafogo keeper John made a brilliant reflex save. Enrique brought on Mendes, Barcola, Neves, and Ruiz to turn things around, but Botafogo held firm.

Despite 66% possession and more shots, PSG lacked sharpness. Ramos missed a key chance from a low cross by Doué. Defensively, the backline looked disconnected—especially on the goal. Pacho and Beraldo were out of sync at the wrong moment.

It was PSG’s first loss to non-European opposition in the tournament, and it stung.

A Tournament Wide Open

PSG’s loss wasn’t the only shock of the day. Earlier, Porto had fallen to Inter Miami. Suddenly, a tournament once expected to showcase European dominance had flipped. Four of the eight groups are now led by South American teams. In eight intercontinental matchups so far, South American clubs have five wins and three draws. No losses.

It helps that the South American sides are mid-season while the European clubs are shaking off offseason rust. But more than that, teams like Botafogo are well-organized, mentally sharp, and taking their chances.

What’s Next for PSG?

Enrique will be questioned for his lineup choices. With Dembélé injured, he started Ramos up front and a young midfield including Mayulu and Zaire-Emery. The gamble didn’t pay off. His second-half changes improved things, but the damage was done.

PSG still has the talent and depth to recover. The Atletico match showed their ceiling. The Botafogo result exposed their floor. Somewhere between those two lies the version of PSG that could go deep into this tournament—but only if they learn quickly.

As Enrique said after the Atletico win: “A new chapter starts now.” The first page looked like a dream. The second came with a hard reality check.

Football

Club World Cup: Inter Miami Beat Porto as Messi Delivers Magic

Post author By seo-team
Post date June 20, 2025

Inter Miami vs Porto: Messi Scores Again in Club World Cup Thriller

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Club World Cup: Inter Miami Beat Porto as Messi Delivers Magic

Inter Miami vs Porto. Messi added to the drama at the Club World Cup as well, scoring a sublime bending free kick to give Miami a 2-1 lead against Porto. Miami came back in the second half after losing to a Porto goal in the first half by a much earlier score.

Porto struck first with a penalty just ten minutes in. But Telasco Segovia answered back shortly after halftime with a rocket of a goal to bring things level. Then, as the clock hit the hour mark, Messi stepped up and bent in a perfect free kick to seal the win for Miami.

FIFA is clearly betting on Messi to bring more eyes to the tournament, especially with hopes of growing its presence in the U.S. The win puts Inter Miami level with Palmeiras in Group A, both sitting on four points.

Up next in the group stage: Inter Miami faces Palmeiras, and Porto takes on Al Ahly — both matches are set for Monday, June 23.

Messi Does It Again With a Classic Free Kick

Watching Messi score a free kick never gets old, and this one came right when Miami needed it most.

He won the foul himself after colliding with Ze Pedro just outside the box. The ball was placed in a perfect spot, dead center near the top of the 18-yard box. Claudio Ramos in goal had no shot — Messi curled it with his left foot straight into the top corner.

But Messi wasn’t just about the goal. He was named Player of the Match and pretty much controlled everything on the field. Even with questions around his fitness and his 38th birthday around the corner, he looked locked in from the first whistle. Within minutes, he was darting down the right wing and sending in a cross for Luis Suarez, though the flag went up for offside.

Suarez didn’t have the best outing. He missed a few solid chances, many of which Messi set up beautifully. There was a moment when Messi controlled the ball out of the air, avoided past two defenders, and placed a perfect assist—only for Suarez to hesitate yet again.

But the intention was obvious. Give the ball to Messi. Miami leaned into it, even if it meant losing some structure. At one point, Fabio Vieira even nutmegged Messi, and the two shared a laugh.

But when you’ve got someone like Messi putting in goals like that, it’s hard to argue with the approach.

What Inter Miami’s Win Over Porto Means for the Club World Cup

Let’s be real — nobody expected Inter Miami to even be in this tournament.

They didn’t win the MLS Cup, and they weren’t exactly high in the regional rankings. But as the host nation’s rep, and after Miami grabbed the MLS Supporters’ Shield last fall, FIFA had its opening to bring a Messi-led team into the spotlight.

And now, they’re making the most of it.

That free kick was classic Messi — something fans have seen time and time again with Argentina, Barcelona, PSG, and now Inter Miami. But this one felt bigger. It happened on a global stage and completely changed the conversation.

Not many thought a five-year-old MLS team could beat a Champions League regular like Porto. But Messi, Suarez, and Busquets bring serious star power — and that gives Miami a real shot at something special.

Even with a thin roster, they’ve become the team everyone’s watching.

What Was the Crowd Like in Atlanta?

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is used to big turnouts. Atlanta United often packs in 40,000+, and last year’s Argentina vs. Canada match during Copa America saw over 70,000.

So why were there only 31,783 fans for Inter Miami vs Porto?

A few reasons. First off, it wasn’t a national team game. A Thursday afternoon kickoff isn’t ideal, either. Also, the Club World Cup is still somewhat a mystery to many an American fan and Atlanta isn’t home to a heavy Portuguese demographic.

But still, the dome buzzed. Many of the fans were there for Messi, for he was the focus of much of the crowd.

What Went Wrong for Porto?

Aside from Messi’s magic, Porto just didn’t show up the way they needed to — especially coming off a dull draw with Palmeiras. They needed a result here, but they looked flat.

One bright spot was Samu Aghehowa.

He cashed in the early penalty kick and, throughout the match, showed what he could do. At first, however, he seemed a bit off and turned over the ball a few times, but once he settled in, he became a problematic force on Miami’s defense.

Using his pace and strength, Aghehowa was effective whenever Porto went direct. Both Ian Fray and Maximiliano Falcon struggled to deal with him. There was one moment where he almost scored on a low backheel assist and it only stayed out of the goal because Falcon cleared it off the line.

Just before the half, he went end-to-end, outrunning defenders only to have his low shot saved. He had many more opportunities in the second half but it was clear his teammates weren’t looking for him enough.

But no wonder Chelsea wanted him when he played for Atletico.

What’s Next for Inter Miami?

Monday, June 23: Inter Miami vs Palmeiras — Club World Cup group stage (Miami)

What’s Next for Porto?

Monday, June 23: Porto vs Al Ahly — Club World Cup group stage (East Rutherford)

Football

Paris Saint-Germain vs Botafogo: Igor Jesus Strikes as Brazilian Side Pull Off Stunning Upset

Post author By seo-team
Post date June 20, 2025

Paris Saint-Germain vs Botafogo: Igor Jesus Nets Winner in Club World Cup Shock

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Paris Saint-Germain vs Botafogo: Igor Jesus Strikes as Brazilian Side Pull Off Stunning Upset

Paris Saint-Germain vs Botafogo. Not great news for European soccer as two big teams fell—in the same day, too. At the center of the drama was PSG’s shocking 1-0 loss to Botafogo in Group B—a result few saw coming. The Brazilian side, fresh off their Copa Libertadores title, got the jump on the Champions League holders early.

The game’s only goal came from Igor Jesus, who split the PSG center-backs perfectly after collecting a sharp through ball from Marlon Freitas. His shot, which took a deflection off Willian Pacho, wrong-footed Gianluigi Donnarumma and rolled into the net.

PSG came out stronger after the break. Goncalo Ramos nearly leveled the match with a header, but Botafogo goalkeeper John made a fantastic save through reflex. Luis Enrique responded with endless substitutions, Joao Neves, Bradley Barcola, Nuno Mendes and Fabian Ruiz, but the Brazilian team stayed disciplined and organized enough to prevent any effort that would frustrate them.

Botafogo sits first in Group B; PSG sits behind. This is another trend that’s growing; four of the eight groups are led by South American teams for the first time.

European Clubs Suffer Double Defeat

Before PSG’s loss, Porto also went down to Inter Miami earlier in the day—flipping the tournament narrative. What looked like another year of European dominance quickly changed in just a few hours.

These upsets might actually be healthy for the competition. There were real concerns that the Club World Cup could feel predictable. But with results like these, that fear seems overblown.

Inter Miami caught Porto off guard, and then Botafogo did the same to PSG—except with a much more calculated, disciplined approach. They defended well, broke quickly, and stuck to a game plan that worked.

In head-to-heads with teams from other continents, South American clubs now boast five wins and three draws in eight matches. No losses so far. Part of it has to do with the calendar. It’s the middle of the season for South American teams while European teams are still getting out their offseason rust.

Paris Saint-Germain vs Botafogo: Igor Jesus Takes the Moment

For a second, it looked like PSG had control. Botafogo had just regained possession and PSG’s backline seemed set. But Igor Jesus saw a gap and didn’t hesitate.

He’s not a flashy player, what stands out is his incredible work rate off the ball. As soon as he saw an opening between Pacho and Beraldo, he went for it. Jefferson Savarino slipped the ball through perfectly, and Jesus sprinted in, took a couple of touches, and fired low. The ball deflected and beat Donnarumma. Seconds later, he was in the stands celebrating with the Botafogo fans.

Were Enrique’s Choices the Right Call?

This was PSG’s first real test against non-European opposition in this year’s Club World Cup—and the lineup choices by Luis Enrique are sure to be debated.

With Dembele unavailable, Ramos started up front. The midfield featured young talent, Mayulu and Zaire-Emery, alongside Vitinha. In the back, Hernandez and Beraldo were given the nod instead of Marquinhos and Mendes.

While PSG dominated possession, they didn’t pose enough threat in front of goal. Ramos missed a golden opportunity from a low cross by Desire Doue. Defensively, things fell apart when Igor Jesus scored. Pacho and Beraldo looked out of sync and lost focus at the wrong time.

Enrique made changes in the second half. Mendes, Neves, Ruiz, and Barcola came on, and the team did look better. But it didn’t matter. By then, the momentum had shifted. Botafogo’s defense became confident, and PSG’s earlier mistakes proved costly.

You could argue Enrique took a risk with his starting XI—and this time, it didn’t work out.

Football

Your Winning Edge: Real Madrid vs Pachuca Prediction & Betting Guide

Post author By seo-team
Post date June 19, 2025

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Your Winning Edge: Real Madrid vs Pachuca Prediction & Betting Guide

Real Madrid vs Pachuca. There is some anxiety in the air as Real Madrid prepares for their upcoming Club World Cup match. With Al-Hilal in a difficult 1-1 tie, Xabi Alonso is under pressure. The attack didn’t work without Kylian Mbappe, who is ill. Although Vinicius Junior made an effort to step up, Gonzalo Garcia, a new player, made headlines by scoring on his debut.

Pachuca comes into this one with nothing to lose and plenty to prove. They’re still stinging from a 2-1 defeat to Salzburg and will want to bounce back in a big way.

Form Guide

Real Madrid – WLWWWD

Madrid dominated possession but was unable to complete their chances in a draw with Al-Hilal to start the campaign. Garcia’s early goal gave them a strong start, but they forfeited the game due to a defensive blunder.

Last 5 Matches:

Real Madrid 1-1 Al Hilal (Club WC)
Real Madrid 2-0 Real Sociedad (LaLiga)
Sevilla 0-2 Real Madrid (LaLiga)
Real Madrid 2-1 Mallorca (LaLiga)
Barcelona 4-3 Real Madrid (LaLiga)

They’re averaging around two goals per game but still giving up chances at the back.

Pachuca – DLWDLL

Even if their defense appeared unsteady at times, Pachuca put up a fight in their close defeat to Salzburg. Despite their inconsistent domestic performance, the team’s general structure remains strong.

Last 5 Matches:

Pachuca 1-2 Salzburg (Club WC)
CF America 2-0 Pachuca (Liga MX Playoff)
Pachuca 0-0 CF America (Liga MX Playoff)
Monterrey 1-2 Pachuca (Liga MX)
Atletico San Luis 2-1 Pachuca (Liga MX)

They’ve managed 4 goals in their last five matches while conceding 8.

Predicted Lineups: Real Madrid vs Pachuca

Real Madrid (4-3-3): Courtois; F. Garcia, Huijsen, Asencio, Alexander-Arnold; Tchouameni, Valverde, Bellingham; Vinicius Jr, Gonzalo Garcia, Rodrygo

Unavailable:

Carvajal (ACL)
Militão (ACL)
Camavinga (Tendon)
Rüdiger, Alaba, Mendy (Injuries)
Endrick (Hamstring)
Mbappe (Fever)

Pachuca (4-3-3): Moreno; González, Pereira, Bauermann, Rodríguez; Pedraza, Palavecino, Montiel; Kenedy, Rondón, Figueroa

Unavailable:

Micolta (ACL)

Pachuca has most of their squad available, giving them flexibility to adjust their setup.

Players to Watch

Real Madrid

Gonzalo Garcia
Vinicius Junior
Rodrygo
Jude Bellingham
Federico Valverde
Thibaut Courtois

Pachuca

Bryan Gonzalez
Kenedy
Salomon Rondon
Agustin Palavecino
Carlos Moreno

Head-to-Head: Real Madrid vs Pachuca

Previous Match:

December 18, 2024, FIFA Intercontinental Cup Final (Real Madrid-Pachuca 3-0)

Madrid dominated the last time these teams met. Pachuca will be motivated to improve this time in Charlotte after failing to get on the scoresheet.

Real Madrid vs Pachuca: Odds & Betting Tips

Thinking about placing a bet? StarBet has some of the top odds and a wide range of betting markets.

Odds:

Real Madrid to win: 1.25
Draw: 6.50
Pachuca to win: 10.50

Top Betting Picks:

Both Teams to Score – Yes
Over 2.5 Total Goals
First Goal Scorer: Rodrygo or Garcia
Anytime Scorer: Jude Bellingham

Combining “Madrid to win + Both Teams to Score” can be a wise choice if you’re searching for greater value.

Match Prediction

This should be a fun one. Real Madrid has the firepower to win even with some important players out. Pachuca will put up a strong fight and may even score, but Madrid should prevail because of their depth.

Predicted score: Pachuca 2-1 Real Madrid

Before you place your bets, you may find additional information by visiting StarBet’s prediction page, which includes player details, statistics, and comparisons.

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Sign up using your mobile number
Add funds safely
Pick your odds and place your bet
Watch the action unfold

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Football

Manchester City vs Wydad: Foden Leads the Way as City Start Club World Cup Strong

Post author By seo-team
Post date June 19, 2025

Manchester City vs Wydad: Foden Shines in 2-0 Club World Cup Victory

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Manchester City vs Wydad: Foden Leads the Way as City Start Club World Cup Strong

Manchester City vs Wydad. Manchester City kicked off their Club World Cup tenure with a 2-0 victory over Wydad Casablanca in Philadelphia. City scored through Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku on a night where Pep Guardiola’s men appeared energized, even though Wydad might’ve posed a stronger challenge than anticipated.

Match Summary: Manchester City vs Wydad

It didn’t take long for the action to start. Just under two minutes in, Phil Foden pounced on a defensive mistake and gave City an early lead. Wydad responded with some intensity and caused a few shaky moments for City’s back line, but just before the break, the Premier League champs struck again. Foden swung in a perfect corner, and Doku finished it off with a clean volley.

In the second half, City took control of the pace, bringing on the likes of Erling Haaland and Rodri to see out the result. Wydad kept pushing but couldn’t find a way past Ederson. The only issue to arise for City was a sending off Rico Lewis. Otherwise, it was a professional showing.

How Did Reijnders and Cherki Perform?

Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki had the start and while they weren’t the actual focal points, they flashed what they could be down the line as they got into a rhythm. Reijnders played relatively calm, and clean, and his assistance down the line allowed forward easy moving of the ball transitionally going forward. One moment stood out when he calmly carried the ball out from the back and cut through midfield with ease.

Cherki’s night was a bit more up and down. His flair was there, but he didn’t quite click with the rest of the attack. Playing alongside Foden, Doku, and Marmoush, he looked out of sync at times. That said, it’s early days, and his creative spark could prove valuable as he gets more comfortable.

Should Rico Lewis Have Been Sent Off?

The most contentious moment came when Rico Lewis was shown a late red card for a high foot to Samuel Obeng’s face. Lewis did touch the ball but followed through and clipped the player’s face and after a check through VAR, the red stood. City were stunned and Pep Guardiola was heated. It didn’t look like a malicious play but an interpretation of the laws of the game seems to justify it. It was a tough way to end what was otherwise a strong performance.

Is Phil Foden Back to His Best?

Foden appeared focused and focused from the very first whistle. His early goal set the tone and his assist to Doku shows how confident he is in this moment; it’s been a tumultuous campaign for him with injuries but this was a defining moment. His first touches, awareness and intelligence in the attack are all Champions League qualities at the moment for a player who can be a center piece for City’s trophy ambitions in the future.

Are Manchester City Rethinking Set Pieces?

Since set-piece coach Carlos Vicens left, former Liverpool analyst James French has stepped in—and his influence is already showing. City’s second goal came from a clever corner routine, and they looked dangerous from dead balls all night.

They mixed things up with different types of deliveries and targeted players who usually don’t get the spotlight. It’s a more varied approach, and it worked right away. French even got a pat on the back from Guardiola after the goal, which says a lot.

Did Wydad Surprise Manchester City?

Wydad may have lost, but they left a good impression. After conceding early, they stuck to their plan and found some success catching City out on the counter.

They almost scored in the first half—puncturing a City defensive error—but Ederson had a brilliant save. They maintained their defensive structure and frustrated City at times, especially with a back five. They started to wear down at the end, but the energy was there.

This is great momentum going into a huge game against Juventus..

What Was the Atmosphere Like in Philadelphia?

37,446 showed up to Lincoln Financial Field, which is more than the attendance of the last Club World Cup game played at the stadium. There was a strong Manchester City contingency who made themselves known.

Wydad Casablanca had a smaller contingent, but they were heard—chanting, flag waving and flaring up even while down—and sidelined by former players like Shaun Wright-Phillips and Joleon Lescott.

Strong attendance marks that American fans are slowly starting to buy into the tournament and the blend of styles from both continents made it an enjoyable atmosphere.

What’s Next for Manchester City and Wydad?

City now head south to face Al Ain and Juventus in their next group matches. Guardiola will likely shuffle his lineup, but after this performance, expectations are high.

As for Wydad, they take on Juventus next in what’s basically a do-or-die game. Wydad’s next match is literally life or death for them; meaning if they lose their next match, their hopes for qualifying are nearly finished. Thus, despite the impressive showing against City, it gives them something to build off of but they need to be more clinical in front of net.

Football

Bayern vs Boca Juniors: Club World Cup Betting Preview

Post author By seo-team
Post date June 18, 2025

Bayern vs Boca Juniors | StarBet Predictions Today

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Bayern vs Boca Juniors: Club World Cup Betting Preview

Bayern Munich vs Boca Juniors. Bayern is back on the field. They now takes on Boca Juniors, a legendary team with a strong offense and a wealth of history, after defeating Auckland City 10–0 in their Club World Cup opener. Will it be another Bayern takeover, or will Boca pull off the upset?

Current Form

Bayern Munich: W W D W W W

Bayern are absolutely flying right now. Their demolition of Auckland wasn’t just dominant—it was the biggest win in Club World Cup history. And in the Bundesliga? They’ve scored 22 and let in just 3 across their last six games.

Last 5 Matches:

2025-06-15: Auckland City – 10–0 W
2025-05-31: Hoffenheim – 4–0 W
2025-05-25: Borussia M’gladbach – 2–0 W
2025-05-18: RB Leipzig – 3–3 D
2025-05-11: Mainz 05 – 3–0 W

Key Stats:

11 straight games with 5+ shots on target
76 goals this season—only PSG, Barça, and Real Madrid have more in Europe’s top leagues

Boca Juniors: W L D D L D

Things aren’t going so smoothly for Boca. They’ve only scored four in their last six matches and let a 2–0 lead slip away against Benfica. Toss in a couple of red cards and it’s clear confidence is low.

Last 5 Matches:

2025-06-15: Benfica – 2–2 D (Lost on Pens)
2025-06-10: Independiente – 0–1 L
2025-06-05: Lanús – 0–0 D (Won on Pens)
2025-05-30: Tigre – 1–1 D
2025-05-24: River Plate – 1–2 L

Quick Stats:

Just 4 of their last 12 games saw both teams score
All four recent goals came before halftime

Bayern Munich vs Boca Juniors: Probable Lineups

Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Laimer, Tah, Upamecano, Guerreiro; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Olise, Musiala, Coman; Kane

Players to Watch:

Jamal Musiala – Scored a lightning-fast 17-minute hat-trick vs Auckland
Harry Kane
Joshua Kimmich
Thomas Müller
Kingsley Coman
Manuel Neuer
Raphaël Guerreiro

Injury Report:

Alphonso Davies – ACL tear (out until December)
Hiroki Ito – Broken foot (back in late July)
Min Jae Kim – Achilles issue (returns mid-July)

Boca Juniors (4-2-3-1): Marchesín; Advíncula, Rojo, Costa, Blanco; Belmonte, Battaglia; Zenón, Velasco, Palacios; Zeballos

Key Players:

Miguel Merentiel
Agustín Marchesín
Ander Herrera
Rodrigo Battaglia
Alan Velasco
Carlos Palacios
Luis Advíncula

Unavailable:

Ander Herrera – Suspended
Jorge Figal – Suspended
Marco Pellegrino – Muscle strain (1–2 weeks out)
Édinson Cavani – Calf problem (doubtful)

Previous Meetings

The two clubs have met only once before—21 years ago. Bayern took down that match 1–0 in overtime to claim the Intercontinental Cup. That was a lifetime ago, but is still the only match between the two.

Odds & Betting Tips – StarBet

Discover the thrill of football betting on StarBet’s, renowned for its extensive market options and competitive odds, crafted to enhance every betting experience.

Here’s how the odds look going into this one:

Bayern win: 1.16
Draw: 7.20
Boca win: 13.50

Top Picks:

Over 2.5 goals in the match
First goal: Harry Kane
Bayern to score in both halves

With Bayern averaging 2.84 goals per match this season (in 52 games), betting on them to get at least two again feels like a safe call.

Bayern Munich vs Boca Juniors: Match Prediction

Boca’s got a mountain to climb. With shaky form and key absences, going up against a red-hot Bayern side could spell trouble.

Final Score Forecast: Bayern 3–0 Boca Juniors

StarBet’s football prediction page is packed with expert match analyses, up-to-date team insights, and detailed player stats, helping users place well-informed bets confidently.

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River Plate’s 3-1 Win Had Goals, Grit, and a Giant Tactics Board

Post author By seo-team
Post date June 18, 2025

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River Plate's 3-1 Win Had Goals, Grit, and a Giant Tactics Board

River Plate begins its Club World Cup journey with a 3-1 victory over Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds. While the score suggests a routine match, many aspects throughout the match highlighted River’s pros, cons, and corrections of a young team at the midway point of a season attempting to find its stride on an international level.

The first goal came from River Plate’s Facundo Colidio in the first half, from a perfect diagonal pass met by a gentle, purposeful close-range shot. River’s second came midway through the second half on a mistake from the other side, but it never felt like River was in command. Urawa was always aggressive and invested, pressing high and generating enough offensive opportunities to worry River’s back line.

€63.2m Wonderkid Steals The Show

Franco Mastantuono went from youth to overnight sensation. The 17-year-old wonderkid—was officially transferred to Real Madrid for €63.2 million.

Mastantuono started at right wing and showed why he’s worth such a price tag. He immediately cut inside to set up Marcos Acuna with a precise assist on River’s first goal. His quickness, off the ball run and ability to drag defenders was creating space for others. Yet he became less impactful as the game progressed.

He missed a golden chance in the second half—firing when he should have buried the ball. He got dispossessed in dangerous areas a couple of times. But he executed a great move on Urawa’s left-back and provided a well-timed through ball to Colidio that could have put him on the scoring end again.

River Plate manager Martín Demichelis noted postgame that Franco is still learning; what he shows them in practice and moments like today indicate that Franco has a very high ceiling. For a teenager under much pressure, it was a decent if uneven performance.

Mind Games? Misunderstanding? Or More?

Before kick-off, something strange happened that made people question each other’s good sportsmanship. Urawa Red Diamonds’ captain Marius Høibråten ignored the River Plate lineup and walked past them before handshakes were exchanged—cameras caught confused looks on many Rivers’ faces.

Was it intentional? Social media exploded dissecting everything from pseudo gamesmanship to after the match, Høibråten said it was unintentional; he saw the ref and walked to him instead of apologizing. He cleared it up in the locker room.

Unfortunately for Høibråten, it wasn’t his only mistake of the game. In the 58th minute, he thought he scored when he headed a close-range cross from another Urawa player. He was offside. Then about ten minutes later—after conceding another goal—Høibråten back-headed a ball in an attempt to help his keeper; instead, he found Sebastián Driussi to provide River with a 2-0 lead.

While Høibråten crumbled quickly—his numbers weren’t awful (four clearances, two interceptions) although disregarded—he played a generally composed match outside of glaring blunders. In games like these, seconds determine winners and losers; unfortunately, Høibråten was on the wrong side of those moments.

Old-School Coaching In A Digital Age

One of the more laughable yet fascinating components emerged from Urawa’s side when the score was still close—2-1—with plenty of time left. A Urawa coach walked over to forward Thiago Santana with a massive tactics board.

In an era of iPads, GPS’ and projector data visualization this seemed very retro. The board was packed with magnetic markers and lines. The message? Clear tactical adjustments. The reaction? Confusion, followed by laughter from fans nearby.

Needless to say, Urawa never regained composure; only seconds later did Acuña cross a near-post corner that was flicked home by Maximiliano Meza back to Lumen Field. 3-1.

After the game, Demichelis admitted they saw Urawa change their positioning and adjusted quickly; their players automatically knew how to respond to the situation.

While the tactics board may not have dictated who won or lost, it was an interesting anecdote to how differently cultured coaching exists—inspired adjustments (or lack thereof) impact from match to match with games of this stature.

Not Just a 3-1 Victory

In the end, River Plate came away with three points where three were expected but hardly like a home run. The blend of youthful promise, defensive shakiness, and tactical learning moments painted a picture of a team still evolving.

Not only did Mastantuono make his debut as a wonder from understanding miscommunication and misfortune from Urawa but Coach Urawa bringing a tactics board into play gave a nice blend of pedestrian but endearing human elements on display about world football.

This was a reminder that even in big tournaments, the human side of football is always on display. From misread rituals to game-altering mistakes, it’s never just about tactics and talent. It’s about moments. And River, for all their imperfections, created enough of them to move one step closer to their goal.

Their next match will demand more control and fewer lapses. But for now, they’re off the mark. And that’s what counts.

Football

Bayern München vs Auckland City: Largest Club World Cup Victory of 10-0

Post author By seo-team
Post date June 17, 2025

Bayern München vs Auckland City: 10-0 Blowout Sets New FIFA Record

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Bayern München vs Auckland City: Largest Club World Cup Victory of 10-0

Bayern München vs Auckland City. When the new version of FIFA Club World Cup returned, people were excited. They expected a lot of excitement with the fanfare, but no one expected a much-anticipated 10-0 blowout in the early rounds. But on June 15, Bayern München defeated Auckland City, making waves across the sport and setting an all-time new FIFA world record. This was not just a win.

Game Breakdown: The Lopsided Match

Bayern Munich did everything to win and more—from the referee’s first whistle to the final buzzer. Auckland City didn’t know what hit it when in the 6th minute, Michael Olise cornered the ball and sent it flying past the keeper into the far netting for a goal, setting the tone for this one-sided game. From this moment onward, the game was over for Auckland.

With five goals by halftime, Olise had another two to receive a hat trick, Sacha Boey scored a goal and Kingsley Coman pushed one through as well. All but secure, the second half provided little respite for the still-challenged Auckland squad as substitutes entered the game bringing new energy and yet many more goals.

Impact Players and Goalscorers

Michael Olise: Three goals, two assists. Unapologetic under pressure
Sacha Boey: Dominated the defensive opportunities and offensive chances. Netted one goal, assisted another.
Serge Gnabry: Keen sense for locating openings with blazing speed. One goal, secondary assist.

Did Auckland City Even Compete?

What World Cup began with 32 teams since FIFA draws from each Confederation to exhibit each champion and other top-performing teams worldwide. Thus, Auckland City entered as an OFC Champions League winner. Technically, the Oceania region presents semi-professional leagues lest victories trick teams.

So while it’s true that they as a geographical region entered, it’s how they played that put them in this position.

But against Bayern, they had no chance.

What Is The Score In The History Books?

Not only does this score mean something, but it also means something grand. This is now the largest defeat ever in senior men’s FIFA competition.

The Biggest Recorded Finals In FIFA History:

Hungary 10, El Salvador 1 (1982 World Cup)
Yugoslavia 9, Zaire 0 (1974 World Cup)
Hungary 9, South Korea 0 (1954 World Cup)

And now Auckland City can say they were on the wrong side of history.

Tactical Takeaways

Auckland City was thoroughly beaten post opening whistle as Bayern implemented a high press. Their defenders couldn’t play out under pressure, and with three midfielders occupying the middle of the field, any long balls Auckland attempted were recovered by Bayern in almost no time at all.

The tactical alignments were as follows:

Bayern: 4-2-3-1 with attacking players shifting positions throughout.
Auckland: 4-5-1 defending which turned into a 6-3-1 while defending.

Auckland could not track runners while they were completely confused during transitional play.

What it Means for the Tournament

While Bayern München remains clinical throughout their Club World Cup run, a matchup this lopsided renders the following ideas:

The FIFA Club World Cup should reevaluate who is invited to what tournaments.
Amateur teams should not be allowed to compete against professional legends.

FIFA has promoted the Club World Cup’s expansion as an international coming together of clubs. But with scorelines like this emerging, it seems more an impracticality of crass stupidity and danger.

Conclusion

While Bayern München and Auckland City may not have gone down in history as a competitive match, their match will be a noted entry in historical scoreline achievements. Numbers say a lot, but much more will be said about the socio-political consequences to come—a widening gap between those who can dream football and those who can achieve it.