Football Giants Share the Points in Dramatic Opener in Miami
The much-anticipated clash between Boca Juniors and Benfica, two of the most storied clubs in South America and Europe, certainly lived up to the hype. In a match filled with emotional shifts, two red cards, a VAR-awarded penalty, and four goals, the giants drew 2-2 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, kicking off their campaigns in Group C of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
With first-half goals from Miguel Merentiel and Rodrigo Battaglia, Boca Juniors looked poised for a strong opening win. But Benfica, led on the field by Argentine stars Ángel Di María and Nicolás Otamendi, clawed back even with a man down to snatch a heroic draw thanks to Otamendi’s late header.
The result leaves the group wide open, with Bayern Munich topping the table after a 10-0 thrashing of Auckland City, while Boca and Benfica share second place with a point apiece.
⏱️ First Half: Boca Converts Chances, Benfica Responds via VAR
The match started with Benfica dominating possession. Despite a massive Boca Juniors presence in the stands, it was the Portuguese side controlling the tempo, with Di María, Bruma, and Pavlidis orchestrating the attack. Marchesín was called into action early, saving a powerful shot from Renato Sanches in the 6th minute.
But once Boca Juniors found their rhythm, they struck with lethal precision. In the 21st minute, left-back Lautaro Blanco danced past Florentino with a nutmeg and delivered a low cross. Miguel Merentiel beat António Silva to the ball and finished clinically into the center of the goal. Boca Juniors 1-0 Benfica.
Fuelled by a roaring crowd, Boca struck again. At 27 minutes, after a corner from Zenón, Ayrton Costa flicked the ball on, and Rodrigo Battaglia formerly of Sporting Lisbon headed home from close range: 2-0 Boca Juniors.
Stunned but not broken, Benfica responded in first-half stoppage time. In the 43rd minute, during a corner, Otamendi was pulled down in the box by Carlos Palacios. After a VAR check, the referee awarded a penalty. Di María, cool as ever, slotted it into the bottom left corner at 45+3’ to reduce the deficit: 2-1.
The drama didn’t stop there. Ander Herrera, who had left injured, was sent off from the bench during halftime for protesting the penalty decision too vehemently.
🔄 Second Half: Red Cards, Pressure and a Captain’s Equalizer
The second half started with Boca Juniors sitting deeper, protecting their lead. They formed a tight block and waited to exploit Benfica’s mistakes on the break.
At 58 minutes, Milton Giménez and Exequiel Zeballos came on to refresh Boca’s front line. Benfica also made strategic changes, sending on Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Orkun Kökçü to increase attacking urgency.
Then, at 70 minutes, a pivotal moment: Andrea Belotti raised his foot too high and caught Ayrton Costa in the neck. A VAR review confirmed the severity, and the Italian striker was shown a straight red card. Benfica down to 10.
Despite the disadvantage, the Portuguese side rallied. In the 84th minute, after a well-placed corner from Kökçü, Otamendi rose above the crowd and headed firmly into the far corner. Boca Juniors 2-2 Benfica.
In a heated final stretch, Nicolás Figal received a red card in the 88th minute for a reckless tackle on Florentino, leaving both teams with 10 men.
The scoreline held. Final whistle in Miami: Boca Juniors 2, Benfica 2.
📊 Table Impact: Group C Wide Open After Dramatic Draw
With the draw, Boca Juniors and Benfica each earn 1 point, tying for second place in Group C. Bayern Munich, after their 10-0 rout of Auckland City, top the group with 3 points and a staggering goal difference.
🎯 Tactical Breakdown: Contrasting Approaches, Same Scoreline
Boca Juniors (Coach: Miguel Ángel Russo)
Boca Juniors played a compact 4-4-2, with Battaglia and Belmonte solid in midfield, and Merentiel as the central striker. Defensively, the team held its shape well until set-piece errors led to goals.
Strengths:
- Quick transitions down the flanks
- Lethal finishing (2 goals from 3 shots on target)
- Tactical discipline for most of the match
Weaknesses:
- Emotional control (2 red cards)
- Lack of possession in the second half
- Vulnerability on aerial balls
Benfica (Coach: Bruno Lage)
Benfica used a fluid 4-2-3-1, with Di María drifting between lines and Bruma stretching play wide. After Belotti’s red card, Pavlidis dropped deeper to balance the midfield.
Strengths:
- Resilience with 10 men
- Set-piece threat (both goals from dead balls)
- Leadership from Di María and Otamendi
Weaknesses:
- Poor defensive marking early
- Midfield gaps when out of possession
- Wastefulness in open-play chances
⭐ Man of the Match: Miguel Merentiel
According to FIFA’s official website, the Man of the Match was Miguel Merentiel, striker for Boca Juniors.
- Full Name: Miguel Ángel Merentiel
- Age: 28
- Nationality: Uruguayan
- Position: Forward
