Boca brings Buenos Aires to Miami and draws 2-2 with Benfica in the Fiery Club World Cup Clash.

By Sachit Subba • Football • Jun 17, 2025 01:40 AM • 79 views

For a second straight night, Miami's Hard Rock Stadium felt more like La Bombonera. The scent of smoke bombs, the chants of "Dale Boca" reverberating through the humid Florida air, and thousands of fans wrapped in blue and gold turned this corner of the Club World Cup into a celebration of Argentine football. And Boca Juniors delivered a performance worthy of the atmosphere—albeit one that left them just short of victory in a fiery 2-2 draw with Benfica. Coming off the heels of Lionel Messi's dazzling performance in the tournament opener, it was Boca's fans who lit the fuse on Monday night, transforming South Beach passion into full-throttle noise. But on the pitch, things got even louder.

Boca Blitz Stuns Early Benfica Control

Though the Portuguese giants began the game controlling possession, Boca were the first to land punches. In the 21st minute, Lautaro Blanco tore down the left flank and whipped in a dangerous low cross. Miguel Merentiel ghosted into space and fired home, sending the stadium into a frenzy. Just six minutes later, Boca doubled their lead. A corner delivered with venom found Rodrigo Battaglia, who rose above his marker and thundered a header past the scrambling Benfica keeper. Two shots. Two goals. Boca were flying.

Benfica Bite Back Before the Break Despite being rocked, Benfica found a way back into the match—courtesy of a moment of veteran craft. Just before the half, Argentine World Cup winner Nicolás Otamendi was brought down in the box. After a brief VAR check, a penalty was awarded. Ángel Di María, facing fellow countrymen in enemy colours, stepped up and converted with ice-cold precision, cutting the deficit to 2-1 at halftime.

Red Cards, Revenge, and Late Drama

The second half saw both teams lose their grip on discipline. Benfica's Andrea Belotti saw red in the 70th minute for a reckless high boot that struck Ayrton Costa. But Boca's numerical advantage lasted just seven minutes. Defender Nicolás Figal received a straight red after a reckless challenge near midfield, levelling the sides at 10 apiece. With tensions boiling, it was Benfica who found the equalizer. Otamendi, the villain-turned-hero for the Lisbon side, soared highest to meet a late corner and powered a header past Sergio Romero in the 84th minute to complete the comeback.

Group C Outlook and What's Next

The draw leaves Boca second in Group C, trailing only Bayern Munich, who demolished Auckland City 10-0 in a ruthless display. Boca now prepares for a showdown with the German juggernaut on Friday—a match that could define their tournament hopes. Benfica, meanwhile, head to Orlando to face Auckland City in what will be a must-win for the Portuguese outfit.

Passion Beyond the Pitch

For all the drama on the field, the passion of it was just as compelling. Boca's fans, numbering in the tens of thousands, chanted from the pre-game tailgate to the final whistle. This tournament has been billed as a global spectacle, and if Monday night in Miami proved anything, it's that South American supporters are setting the emotional tone. As Boca look ahead to Bayern, one thing is clear—the fans have already arrived. And in a tournament where emotions run as high as the stakes, that may make all the difference.

Scorers Boca Juniors: Merentiel (21’), Battaglia (27’) Benfica: Di María (45+1’ pen), Otamendi (84’)

Red Cards

Benfica: Andrea Belotti (70’) Boca Juniors: Nicolás Figal (77’)

Next Matches

Boca Juniors vs Bayern Munich – Friday, Miami Benfica vs Auckland City – Friday, Orlando