Benfica rallies to secure a 2-2 draw against Boca Juniors

Goals from two experienced Argentinian players propelled Benfica to fight back from a 2-0 deficit, securing a 2-2 draw against fellow countrymen Boca Juniors in their Group C encounter at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in Miami. This heated clash saw both teams finish with ten men.

Having scored in 15 consecutive matches leading into this fixture, Benfica was quick to stir the pot. Just six minutes in, a slick passing move down the left enabled Renato Sanches to have a pop, but he skewed his effort wide of the mark.

Veteran Angel Di Maria soon took command of the midfield, delivering a ball that Bruma expertly controlled before striking the post in the 19th minute.

However, things took a turn for the worse for the 38-time Portuguese champions just three minutes later, as Boca Juniors capitalised on their first real opportunity.

Lautaro Blanco received the ball on the left flank, evaded his defender Florentino Luis with a nutmeg, and sent a precise low cross to Miguel Merentiel, who was able to steer it past Anatoliy Trubin.

Not content with just one goal, the Argentinians struck again shortly after, netting two from their two attempts on target. A deep corner from Kevin Zenon was flicked on by Ayrton Costa to Rodrigo Battaglia, who nodded it in, extending Boca’s lead to 2-0.

Benfica appeared deflated in the wake of those goals, so they were relieved to receive a lifeline just before halftime. Nicolas Otamendi was adjudged to have been fouled in the area, and after a VAR check, Di Maria confidently converted the resulting penalty, reducing the deficit.

With Boca scoring only three times in the second half across their last five matches, it seemed an uphill battle for As Águias to get back into the game. By the hour mark, an Otamendi header going over the bar was the sole attempt for either team.

Miguel Angel Russo’s side tried to respond with another headed effort from Battaglia, but this one went off-target.

The challenge became even steeper for the Portuguese outfit in the final 20 minutes as tensions flared. Andrea Belotti received a straight red card for a high foot that caught Ayrton Costa in the head.

Despite being a man down, Bruno Lage’s men managed to equalise six minutes from the end when Otamendi powered a header into the net from an Orkun Kokcu corner, leaving Agustin Marchesin with no chance.

Alvaro Carreras squandered a golden opportunity to secure a late winner, allowing Benfica’s winless streak across all competitions to stretch to four matches.

For Boca, they made history as the first Argentinian team to avoid defeat against a European side in the Club World Cup, even with Jorge Figal being sent off late for a reckless challenge on Florentino Luis.

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