Benfica comeback stuns Boca Juniors after dramatic Group C showdown
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Benfica comeback stuns Boca Juniors in a wild Group C clash at the Club World Cup, where late drama and high tension turned a straightforward win into a stinging draw for the South American giants. Under the searing Miami sun, Boca raced to a 2-0 first-half lead thanks to goals from Miguel Merentiel and Rodrigo Battaglia, only to see it vanish in the final stretch. Benfica’s experience, bolstered by Ángel Di María and the commanding presence of Nicolás Otamendi, ultimately tipped the momentum back toward the Portuguese side.
- Boca Juniors led 2-0 early in their Club World Cup Group C opener against Benfica.
- Benfica equalised late through Nicolás Otamendi in a heated 2-2 draw.
- Three red cards were handed out during the chaotic encounter in Miami.
- The result leaves both sides with work to do in the race for the knockout stage.
This matchup, the tournament opener for both clubs, had the air of something more than just group-stage football. Boca’s fanbase transformed Hard Rock Stadium into a cauldron of yellow and blue, drowning out even the loudest FIFA theatrics. Their intense, combative play initially overwhelmed Benfica, who seemed unprepared for the physicality and emotional ferocity of the Argentine side. The stadium buzzed with energy, echoing a passion rooted far deeper than commercial pageantry.
Merentiel’s clever finish and Battaglia’s powerful header had Boca firmly in control by the 40-minute mark. Their aggressive, body-first defending—less tactical, more tribal—kept Benfica on the back foot. But just before halftime, Di María coolly converted a penalty to narrow the margin and inject belief into his team. What followed was a second half of rising tension, scattered chances, and growing fatigue, until Otamendi’s soaring header in the dying minutes levelled the scoreline and stunned Boca supporters.
The game saw three red cards—two for Boca and one for Benfica—highlighting the intensity and occasional recklessness on display. Ander Herrera and Andrea Belotti were both dismissed in fiery fashion, as tempers boiled over. Boca will rue their inability to manage the game after gaining a cushion, especially against a veteran-laden side like Benfica that knows how to exploit late-game lapses.
While both teams walk away with a point, the emotional weight leans heavily on Boca. Their failure to close out a crucial match might haunt them as the group unfolds. Fans and analysts alike will now be watching closely for what’s next—especially with Bayern Munich lurking in Group C. For further insights and updates on tournament projections, check our Club World Cup Predictions page. Boca’s journey is far from over, and this result may yet shape their destiny in ways we can’t fully see. The Club World Cup Predictions are only getting harder to make now.
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