Boca Juniors vs Benfica Prediction 16.06.2025
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Boca Juniors vs Benfica Prediction
Boca Juniors vs Benfica Prediction and Betting Tips for Monday’s opening Group C clash in the Club World Cup, held at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. In this article, you’ll find insights, key stats, and Club World Cup Predictions from the experts at XpertStats.
- First-ever competitive clash between Boca Juniors and Benfica
- Benfica come in unbeaten in 13 games after 90 minutes
- Vangelis Pavlidis contributed to 26 goals in Portugal’s top flight
- Boca recently appointed Miguel Angel Russo as head coach
Boca Juniors enter the Club World Cup looking to make a statement after a turbulent domestic run. Finishing second in Zone A of Argentina’s Torneo Apertura, they managed 33 points and were the first team to reach 10 wins this season. However, instability followed with a playoff exit and the dismissal of coach Fernando Gago. Now under the leadership of Miguel Angel Russo, Boca’s experienced core — featuring Romero, Rojo, and Herrera — will be crucial as they seek continental redemption on the global stage.
The Buenos Aires giants rely heavily on Miguel Merentiel in attack, who registered six goals and three assists in the Apertura. With Cavani sidelined due to injury and Luis Advincula’s availability uncertain, Boca may need to adapt tactically. Despite their proud history, including three Intercontinental Cup wins, Argentine teams have consistently struggled against European opposition at this level, losing all four previous encounters under the competition’s former format.
Benfica, meanwhile, arrive in Miami with momentum and pedigree. The Portuguese side went unbeaten in their last 13 matches across all competitions (after 90 minutes) and showed their European credentials by defeating the likes of Atletico Madrid and Juventus in last season’s UEFA Champions League. Though they finished second domestically for the second year running, they claimed the League Cup and scored 84 goals in the Primeira Liga — proof of their attacking prowess under Bruno Lage.
The Eagles’ key man is Vangelis Pavlidis, who found form in 2025 with 19 goals and seven assists in league play. Complemented by Orkun Kokcu’s creativity and the leadership of Di Maria and Otamendi, Benfica are well-equipped to handle the South American challenge. Their pace in transition, pressing structure, and recent form make them favourites to advance alongside Bayern Munich. A positive result here is essential, and based on form and stability, the Portuguese giants are poised to start strong in Group C.
Expect a lively encounter between two footballing cultures, where passion meets tactical discipline. With high stakes and sharp talents on display, this opener could set the tone for the rest of the group. Don’t miss our Club World Cup Predictions as the action unfolds.
The clash between Boca Juniors and Benfica is likely to be a fiery encounter, making Over 4.5 Cards a strong bet. Boca's matches often feature intense physicality, especially in international competitions, with their aggressive pressing style resulting in frequent fouls. Their defensive veterans, like Marcos Rojo and Rodrigo Battaglia, aren’t shy about tactical fouling when needed. On the other side, Benfica will feature experienced South American players like Di Maria and Otamendi, who are no strangers to high-stakes confrontations. Moreover, the stakes are high in this opening Club World Cup fixture with progression on the line, increasing the likelihood of tensions running high. Referees in intercontinental tournaments tend to clamp down early, especially in unfamiliar matchups. Boca’s last international match saw six cards, and Benfica's recent Champions League outings averaged over four cards per game. With both teams likely to scrap for every inch, expect the referee to reach for their pocket multiple times.
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