Boca Juniors vs Benfica
Going to La Bombonera is every fan’s dream. But having an army of Boca Juniors supporters march into your home is the next best thing. We’d seen them taking over rollercoaster rides at Universal Studios and random Walmarts, but finally seeing “La 12” inside Hard Rock was the stuff of dreams. It’s the type of tournament they’ve been longing for for decades, especially after having defeated the likes of Real Madrid and AC Milan for the title in the old format. The back-to-back goals in the first half shook the stadium like never before. Maybe some of that famous “heartbeat” that Boca fans talk about at La Bombonera got transplanted to Miami. Shame that two Argentine goals over at Benfica spoiled the party for the Xeneizes. As neutrals, though, it was exactly the type of game you wished for when this Club World Cup was announced. Game of the tournament so far, and it left us with some incredible postcards.
Photography by: Gabriel Bayona Sapag
Hard Rock Stadium in Miami transformed into a sea of blue and gold on Monday night as Boca Juniors fans brought the fervor of Buenos Aires to the Club World Cup. Despite Boca racing to an early two-goal lead, Benfica mounted a spirited comeback to secure a 2-2 draw in a heated Group C opener that left both teams with everything to play for.
The match, marked by goals, drama, and three red cards, captivated a vocal crowd of over 55,000. Boca’s supporters were in full force, their chants echoing through the stadium long before kickoff and propelling their team to an electrifying start.
After weathering an early spell of Benfica pressure, Boca took the lead in the 21st minute. Lautaro Blanco’s precise low cross found Miguel Merentiel at the near post, and the striker’s deft touch sent the Boca faithful into rapturous celebration. Just six minutes later, Rodrigo Battaglia doubled the lead with a towering header from a corner, putting Boca firmly in control.
But Benfica, led by veterans Ángel Di María and Nicolás Otamendi, refused to fade. A controversial VAR review awarded Benfica a penalty just before halftime when Otamendi was fouled in the box. Di María coolly slotted home to halve the deficit, reigniting Benfica’s hopes.
The second half was as combative as it was unpredictable. Benfica went down to 10 men in the 70th minute when Andrea Belotti’s high boot caught Ayrton Costa on the head, earning the striker a straight red card.
Even shorthanded, Benfica found their equalizer. In the 84th minute, Otamendi rose unmarked to powerfully head home a corner, leveling the score and sending Benfica’s traveling supporters into a frenzy. The match concluded with Boca’s Nicolás Figal receiving a red card in the dying minutes for a reckless challenge, leaving both teams to reflect on missed opportunities.
With Group C wide open, the stakes are high for Boca and Benfica in their next matches. Boca faces European giants Bayern Munich on Friday, while Benfica takes on Auckland City in Orlando. Bayern’s 10-0 demolition of Auckland City in their opener sets the stage for a daunting challenge for Boca, who will rely on their passionate supporters and combative spirit to pull off an upset.
Despite the draw, Boca defender Rodrigo Battaglia remained optimistic. “We gave everything, but we’re left with a bitter taste because we couldn’t capitalize on our lead,” he said post-match. “Now we have to focus on the next game and thank our fans for their incredible support.”
This match encapsulated the essence of the Club World Cup—a global celebration of soccer where passion, skill, and drama collide. With Boca’s fans providing the heartbeat of the evening and Benfica showcasing their resilience, Group C promises more fireworks as the tournament unfolds.
