Auckland City FC have turned in a much-improved performance in their second match at the FIFA Club World Cup, falling 6–0 to Portuguese powerhouse SL Benfica at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando.

Following a 10–0 opening defeat to Bayern Munich in Cincinnati, the Navy Blues showed far greater organisation and resilience, especially in a first half where they held the European giants goalless until injury time.

The only amateur side in the 32-team tournament, Auckland City kept Benfica at bay thanks to a heroic first-half performance from 20-year-old goalkeeper Nathan Garrow, who made a string of stunning saves in his first start of the tournament after replacing Connor Tracey. Benfica managed 17 shots in the opening 45 minutes, but Garrow repeatedly denied them with athletic and brave stops.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JUNE 20: Evangelos Pavlidis #14 of SL Benfica attempts a shot against Nathan Garrow #24 of Auckland City FC during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group C match between SL Benfica and Auckland City FC at Inter&Co Stadium on June 20, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Livesey – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

It took a penalty in first-half stoppage time for Benfica to break through as veteran Argentine Ángel Di María calmly slotted home from the spot to give his side a 1-0 lead at the break.

However, the halftime interval stretched over two hours due to a lightning delay in Orlando, and when play resumed, the Portuguese side stepped up a gear.

Evangelos Pavlidis doubled the lead in the 53rd minute, before Renato Sanches added a third 10 minutes later.

Auckland City, clearly tiring in the humid conditions, struggled to contain the Benfica attack. Leandro Barreiro added a brace in quick succession in the 76th and 78th minutes.

The match ended as it began — with Di María stepping up to the penalty spot. He converted once again in the eighth minute of injury time, sealing a 6-0 win for Benfica and completing his brace.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JUNE 20: Leandro Barreiro #18 of SL Benfica celebrates scoring his team’s fifth goal past Nathan Garrow #24 of Auckland City FC during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group C match between SL Benfica and Auckland City FC at Inter&Co Stadium on June 20, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Livesey – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Despite the scoreline, there were plenty of positives for Paul Posa’s side, who showed structure, spirit, and improvement against one of Europe’s top club sides.

Auckland City are now eliminated from the tournament but have plenty of pride to play for in their final Group C match against Argentine powerhouse Boca Juniors.

SL Benfica: 6 (Ángel DI MARÍA 45+8’ pen, 90+8 pen’ Evángelos PAVLIDIS 53’, Renato SANCHEZ 63’, Leandro BARREIRO 76’, 78’)

Auckland City FC 0

HT: 1-0.