Benfica, Auckland City in weather delay at Orlando
Jun 20, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; SL Benfica forward Angel Di Maria (11) scores a goal against Auckland City FC during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images A Group C clash between Benfica and Auckland City at Orlando, Fla., was delayed due to inclement weather Friday, with Benfica holding a 1-0 halftime lead.
Angel Di Maria scored Benfica's goal from the penalty spot against the semi-pro opponents from New Zealand, who lost their opener to Bayern Munich 10-0. It was De Maria's second of the tournament.
After Auckland's Nathan Garrow made seven first-half saves, Di Maria finally put Benfica in front in the eighth minute of first-half stoppage time.
Gianluca Prestianni won the opportunity, slicing into the right corner of the penalty area and weathering Haris Zeb's late sliding challenge.
Di Maria calmly converted, allowing Garrow to guess in the wrong direction before dispatching his side-footed effort.
That provided an end to some growing early frustration from the Portuguese favorites after a succession of missed chances and 18 total first-half shot attempts.
Amid that stretch, Álvaro Carreras picked up his second caution of the tournament, meaning he'll be suspended for Benfica's third match against River Plate on Tuesday.
--Field Level Media
- UFC Vegas 124: Betting Picks for Suarez-Jandiroba, Grant-Smith and More
- UFC Vegas 124 Line Movement: Two Fights Have Flipped Since Opening
- College Football Picks Today: Three Best Bets for Saturday's Massive Slate
- UFC Fight Night Underdog Pick: Davey Grant Offers Value at +270
- College Basketball Picks: Two Saturday Sleeper Bets on Nov. 7th
- UFC Vegas 124 Betting Splits: Where the Sharp Money Is Landing This Weekend
- NBA Best Bets Today: Spurs, 76ers and Lakers Highlight Friday's Picks











