Benfica rallies to secure 2-2 draw with Boca Juniors

In a thrilling encounter at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in Miami, two experienced Argentinian players propelled Benfica back from a 2-0 deficit to secure a 2-2 draw with their fellow countrymen, Boca Juniors, with both teams finishing the match with 10 players.

Benfica, having scored in 15 consecutive matches prior to this clash, were quick to assert their attacking intent. Just six minutes in, a well-worked move down the left allowed Renato Sanches an opportunity, but his shot went wide of the target.

The ever-present Angel Di Maria soon took control of the game’s pace. His pinpoint cross found Bruma, whose effort rattled the post in the 19th minute.

However, just three minutes later, Boca capitalised on their first significant attack. Lautaro Blanco received the ball on the left, cleverly nutmegged his marker, Florentino Luis, and delivered a low cross to Miguel Merentiel, who deftly redirected it past Anatoliy Trubin.

Not content with just one goal, the Argentinians struck again shortly after – a deep corner from Kevin Zenon was nodded back across goal by Ayrton Costa, allowing Rodrigo Battaglia to head in for a 2-0 lead.

It appeared as though Benfica’s spirits were dampened, but they were given a crucial boost just before half-time when Nicolas Otamendi was fouled in the area. After a VAR review, Di Maria successfully converted the resulting penalty, narrowing the deficit to 2-1.

Given Boca’s struggles in their previous five matches, where only three goals were scored after the break, a resurgence from As Águias seemed arduous. By the hour mark, the only notable effort from either team was an Otamendi header that sailed over the bar.

Boca responded with another header from Battaglia, but this effort missed the goal as well.

The final 20 minutes proved to be even more challenging for the Portuguese side as the match intensified. Andrea Belotti received a straight red card for a high challenge on Ayrton Costa, leaving Benfica a man short.

Nonetheless, Bruno Lage’s team demonstrated resilience and equalised with just six minutes remaining. Otamendi soared to meet an Orkun Kokcu corner, powering his header past Agustin Marchesin to level the score at 2-2.

Alvaro Carreras squandered a golden opportunity to secure a victory for Benfica, extending their winless streak across all competitions to four matches.

Meanwhile, Boca Juniors made history as the first Argentinian club to avoid defeat in a Club World Cup match against a European side, despite Jorge Figal receiving a red card late on for a reckless challenge on Florentino Luis.

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