CR Flamengo painted Philadelphia red and black. Their impassioned fans made for a carnival atmosphere in the stands. Filipe Luis’s soldiers came from behind to deck Chelsea FC and win their group with a game to spare. Bayern München also clinched early passage to the last 16, although they were given a scare by ‘The Beast’ and CA Boca Juniors. Elsewhere, SL Benfica gave themselves a great shot of going through by thrashing Auckland City FC, while Espérance upset LAFC to leave their destiny in their own hands.

SL Benfica 6-0 Auckland City FC

Group C Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando

Benfica wanted to win big in a section in which goal difference could prove decisive, but they were incessantly exasperated by 20-year-old goalkeeper Nathan Garrow in the first half. Seconds from its conclusion, Angel Di Maria broke the deadlock from the spot and, after the floodgates opened climatically, they did figuratively as As Águias romped to victory.

CR Flamengo 3-1 Chelsea

Group D Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia

The Blues struck the first knockdown, but it failed to silence the masses of Flamenguistas. With their ear-splitting support, veterans Bruno Henrique and Danilo struck twice in three minutes to thunder the Mengão on to the knockout.

LAFC 0-1 Espérance

Group D GEODIS Park, Nashville

The Blood and Gold are still standing. The Black and Gold are out. It’s indebted to a Youcef Belaili goal and a last-gasp penalty save from Bechir Ben Said. Espérance now need to beat Chelsea to reach the last 16.

FC Bayern München 2-1 CA Boca Juniors

Group C Hard Rock Stadium, Miami

Michael Olise is in resplendent form. He followed up four goal contributions in the Bavarians’ opener with a splendid winner today. A solo equaliser from Miguel Merentiel did threaten a seismic upset, but Boca now know they will likely have to hammer Auckland to have a shot at advancing. (FIFA.COM)