Bayern Munich
League: Bundesliga (Germany)
Total Squad Value: €882 million
Average Age: 27.8 years
Key Achievements:
Domestic Dominance:
34 Bundesliga titles, 20 DFB-Pokal titles, and 10 German Super Cups.
European Glory:
6-time UEFA Champions League winners, 1 UEFA Europa League title, and 4 FIFA Club World Cup/Intercontinental Cup triumphs.
Recent Form:
Secured the 2024-2025 Bundesliga title with an unassailable 13-point lead, scoring 99 goals (best in Europe) while conceding just 32.
Tactical Identity:
Under manager Vincent Kompany, Bayern employs a high-pressing, possession-based system (often 4-2-3-1) that emphasizes rapid transitions and verticality. Their dual pivot of Joshua Kimmich and Goretzka provides defensive solidity and creative distribution, while Harry Kane (26 goals, 9 assists in the Bundesliga) anchors the attack with clinical finishing and hold-up play.
Strengths:
Attack Depth: Kane, Musiala, and Leroy Sané form a lethal trio, averaging 2.8 goals per game in the Bundesliga.
Defensive Resilience: Manuel Neuer’s leadership and Dayot Upamecano’s aerial dominance make Bayern’s backline one of Europe’s best (32 goals conceded) .
Weaknesses:
Injury Concerns: Left-back Alphonso Davies and midfielder Leon Goretzka are doubts for the tournament.
Midfield Fatigue: Kimmich’s workload could be a liability in a congested schedule.
Benfica
League: Primeira Liga (Portugal)
Total Squad Value: €339 million
Average Age: 26.9 years
Key Achievements:
Domestic Powerhouse:
38 Primeira Liga titles, 26 Taça de Portugal wins.
International Success:
2 UEFA Champions League crowns.
Recent Form:
Finished 2nd in the Primeira Liga (80 points), trailing Sporting CP by 2 points, and reached the Champions League last 16.
Strengths:
Youthful Energy: A squad average age of 26.9 ensures stamina in multi-game tournaments.
Set-Piece Threat: 35% of their goals this season came from dead-ball situations.
Managerial Vision: Benfica secure 25 wins in 33 league games .
