In a pulsating Group C encounter at the 2025 Club World Cup, Boca Juniors and Benfica clashed in a dramatic 2-2 draw on Monday night at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring four goals, three red cards, and a fiercely passionate atmosphere largely fueled by Boca's vocal fanbase. The game not only showcased thrilling football but also intense physicality and moments of controversy.
Boca Juniors, the Argentine giants, arrived with high hopes to make a significant impact on the global stage. Their journey began against a formidable Benfica side, boasting two Argentine stars of their own – Ángel Di María and Nicolás Otamendi – adding a unique twist to the showdown. The match was a de facto home game for Boca, with approximately 90% of the 55,574 crowd adorned in the club's blue and yellow colors, transforming the stadium into a vibrant Bombonera by the beach.
The atmosphere had been building for days, with Boca supporters taking over Miami Beach over the weekend for a traditional 'banderazo,' singing, waving flags, and even making a memorable appearance at a local Walmart, much to the amusement of onlookers. This fervor translated onto the pitch as Boca Juniors started the game with intensity and aggression, intent on proving South American clubs' mettle against their European counterparts.
The opening goal came in the 21st minute, sparked by a dazzling run from Boca's Lautaro Blanco, who nutmegged Benfica defender Florentino Luis before delivering a precise low cross. Miguel Merentiel, Boca's captain, was on hand to expertly flick the ball past Benfica's goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, igniting the Boca crowd into a frenzy. Just six minutes later, Boca doubled their lead. From a deep corner by Kevin Zenon, defender Ayrton Costa headed the ball to Rodrigo Battaglia, who nodded home from close range, sending the Hard Rock Stadium into a cacophony of cheers.
Despite Benfica's dominance in possession early on, Boca's clinical finishing had put them firmly in control. However, the tide shifted dramatically just before halftime. After a VAR review, Boca's Carlos Palacios was penalized for a foul on Otamendi inside the box, and a penalty was awarded. Ángel Di María, the seasoned Argentine forward, stepped up and coolly converted the spot-kick, sending Boca's goalkeeper Agustín Marchesín the wrong way to make it 2-1 going into the break.
The first half drama was compounded by a red card shown to Boca's Ander Herrera, who had already been substituted but was sent off for vehemently protesting the penalty decision from the bench. This early disciplinary blow foreshadowed the fiery nature of the remainder of the match.
The second half saw further intensity and physical confrontations. Boca had a chance to restore their two-goal cushion in the 69th minute when Battaglia headed wide from a promising position, but Benfica were not to be denied. In the 72nd minute, Benfica's substitute striker Andrea Belotti was shown a straight red card after a reckless high-footed kick caught Ayrton Costa on the head. This reduced Benfica to ten men, seemingly handing Boca an advantage.
Yet, Benfica’s resilience shone through. In the 84th minute, with both teams down to ten men, Otamendi rose powerfully to meet Orkun Kokcu's corner, delivering a thunderous header that flew into the bottom corner of the net, leveling the score at 2-2. The goal was met with mixed reactions, as Otamendi had been booed earlier by Boca fans due to his history with the Argentine club and his role with Benfica.
The match's tension escalated further in stoppage time. Boca's Jorge Figal was dismissed for a brutal studs-up challenge on Florentino Luis, leaving Boca with nine men and both sides with ten players each. The referee showed remarkable discipline in managing a match filled with four yellow cards and three red cards, maintaining control amid the chaos.
Despite Boca Juniors’ spirited start and two-goal lead, the Argentine club was left to rue missed opportunities and defensive lapses that allowed Benfica to claw back. The late equalizer by Otamendi was a testament to Benfica’s never-say-die attitude, even when reduced to ten men. The match ended 2-2, a fair reflection of the thrilling and tempestuous contest.
This draw leaves Group C wide open. Bayern Munich leads with three points and a massive +10 goal difference after a 10-0 demolition of Auckland City. Both Boca Juniors and Benfica have one point each, while Auckland City sits at the bottom with no points and a -10 goal difference. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial as Boca Juniors and Benfica prepare to face Bayern Munich and Auckland City respectively, with hopes of advancing further in the tournament.
Off the pitch, post-match tensions flared briefly as Boca’s goalkeeper Agustín Marchesín appeared eager to confront Benfica players, but cooler heads prevailed, and the situation was defused without incident. The match was widely praised as the best game of the 2025 Club World Cup so far, delivering excitement, drama, and a spectacle that fans will remember.
Looking ahead, the tournament continues with other exciting matchups, including Fluminense versus Borussia Dortmund and River Plate taking on Urawa Red Diamonds. The Club World Cup remains a global stage where clubs vie for international supremacy, and Boca Juniors’ dramatic opener has set a high bar for entertainment and intensity.
In summary, Boca Juniors’ 2-2 draw against Benfica was a captivating contest filled with skill, passion, and drama. The Argentine club’s early dominance was countered by Benfica’s resilience and tactical grit, highlighted by Otamendi’s late equalizer. Both teams walk away with a point, but with much to reflect on and improve as the tournament progresses.
