Boca Juniors and Benfica Battle to 2-2 Draw in Heated Club World Cup Clash
A match filled with drama, goals, and red cards ended in a 2-2 draw between Boca Juniors and Benfica at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The Group C clash at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 delivered on all fronts—passion, controversy, and world-class moments—as both teams finished the game with 10 men each.
Argentine Energy Lights Up Miami Once Again
After Lionel Messi electrified the same venue in the tournament’s opening game, Boca Juniors fans turned Miami into a sea of blue and gold, echoing the energy of Buenos Aires. Chants, drums, and nonstop support created an electric atmosphere that became a key backdrop to the night’s events.
First-Half Fireworks: Boca Score Twice Early
Boca struck first in the 21st minute when Miguel Merentiel latched onto a low cross from Lautaro Blanco, sending the fans into raptures. Just six minutes later, Rodrigo Battaglia rose highest to head home Boca’s second, shocking a Benfica side that had dominated the opening minutes.
VAR Drama and Red Card Chaos
Just before halftime, Nicolás Otamendi was brought down in the box. A VAR review awarded Benfica a penalty, which Ángel Di María converted coolly. Boca’s Ander Herrera was sent off during the break for aggressively protesting the call, leaving Boca down to 10 men for the second half.
Benfica also saw red in the 70th minute when Andrea Belotti delivered a high boot to Boca’s Ayrton Costa, earning a straight red card—the first of Belotti’s career.
Otamendi’s Late Equalizer Rescues Benfica
With both teams down to 10, Benfica pressed on. In the 84th minute, Otamendi, who had won the penalty earlier, powered in a trademark header to level the score. It was his 8th goal of the season, 7 of which have come from headers.
Group C Standings and What’s Next
Following this draw, Boca sit in second place in Group C behind Bayern Munich, who crushed Auckland City 10-0. Boca’s next match will be a major test as they take on Bayern Munich on Friday in Miami. Meanwhile, Benfica will look to bounce back against Auckland City in Orlando.
📊 Key Match Stats:
| Category | Boca Juniors | Benfica |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 2 | 2 |
| Red Cards | 1 (Herrera) | 1 (Belotti) |
| Shots on Target | 5 | 6 |
| Possession (%) | 44% | 56% |
| Penalties | 0 | 1 (scored) |
🧠 Player Highlights:
- Miguel Merentiel: Scored Boca’s opening goal.
- Rodrigo Battaglia: Doubled Boca’s lead with a powerful header.
- Ángel Di María: Converted the crucial penalty for Benfica.
- Nicolás Otamendi: Earned the penalty and later scored the equalizer.
- Ander Herrera & Andrea Belotti: Both received red cards in dramatic fashion.
📅 Upcoming Fixtures in Group C:
- Boca Juniors vs Bayern Munich – Friday in Miami
- Benfica vs Auckland City – Friday in Orlando
🌍 Conclusion: Boca Juniors Keep Knockout Hopes Alive
Despite letting a two-goal lead slip, Boca Juniors remain in contention to advance in the Club World Cup 2025. Benfica’s fightback and Otamendi’s leadership were equally impressive. Group C is heating up fast, and all eyes will be on Boca’s clash with Bayern to determine who advances. Boca Juniors vs Benfica Club World Cup 2025.
✅ FAQs: Boca Juniors vs Benfica – Club World Cup 2025
Q1. What was the final score between Boca Juniors and Benfica in the Club World Cup?
A: The match ended in a 2-2 draw, with both teams finishing the game with 10 players.
Q2. Who scored the goals for Boca Juniors in the match?
A: Miguel Merentiel scored the first goal in the 21st minute, and Rodrigo Battaglia added a second in the 27th minute for Boca Juniors.
Q3. How did Benfica come back from a two-goal deficit?
A: Ángel Di María scored a penalty just before halftime, and Nicolás Otamendi equalized in the 84th minute with a header.
Q4. Why were red cards shown during the match?
A: Ander Herrera of Boca Juniors was sent off at halftime for arguing the VAR penalty decision. Andrea Belotti of Benfica received a straight red card in the 70th minute for a high kick to the head of Ayrton Costa.
Q5. Where was the match between Boca Juniors and Benfica played?
A: The match took place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, as part of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
Q6. Who leads Group C after the Boca vs Benfica match?
A: Bayern Munich leads Group C after defeating Auckland City 10-0. Boca Juniors are in second place following their draw with Benfica.
Q7. What’s next for Boca Juniors in the Club World Cup?
A: Boca Juniors will face Bayern Munich in their next Group C match on Friday in Miami.
Q8. What’s next for Benfica in the tournament?
A: Benfica will take on Auckland City in their next match on Friday in Orlando, Florida.
