Boca Juniors vs Benfica | Club World Cup | Group Stage | Pre Match
Boca Juniors vs Benfica
On Monday, Benfica and Boca Juniors will ignite their Group C campaign at the Club World Cup with a blockbuster opener at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, a clash that pits one of Europe’s most storied clubs against a South American giant steeped in tradition. This matchup, set against the vibrant backdrop of Miami’s passionate football community, brings together two teams with rich histories and lofty ambitions, as they vie for supremacy in a challenging group that also includes underdogs Auckland City and powerhouse Bayern Munich. Benfica, the Portuguese titans, earned their place in the revamped 32-team tournament through a backdoor route, capitalizing on UEFA’s four-year coefficient rankings, while Boca Juniors, clad in their iconic Azul y Oro jerseys, secured their spot as CONMEBOL’s second-best eligible team. Both sides, driven by a blend of experienced veterans and emerging talents, are determined to escape the competitive Group C and make a deep run in the tournament. The encounter promises to be a thrilling spectacle, blending European tactical sophistication with South American flair, as Benfica’s attacking firepower meets Boca’s gritty resilience in a match that could set the tone for their Club World Cup journeys.
Benfica’s qualification for the Club World Cup was a testament to their consistent excellence in European competitions, as their seventh-best record among eligible UEFA clubs over the past four years earned them a coveted spot in the tournament. The Eagles, twice recent quarter-finalists in the UEFA Champions League, showcased their pedigree last season with a series of statement victories, including a resounding 4-0 thrashing of Atletico Madrid, as well as wins away to Monaco, Red Star Belgrade, and Juventus. Their run was eventually halted by Barcelona in the last 16, but Benfica’s attacking prowess was undeniable, as they scored an impressive 84 goals in the Primeira Liga under the guidance of manager Bruno Lage. Despite narrowly missing out on the Portuguese league title and the cup final to city rivals Sporting Lisbon, Benfica’s season was far from a failure, as they secured the Taca da Liga and demonstrated their ability to compete with Europe’s elite. This marks Benfica’s first appearance in the Club World Cup, though they previously competed in the Intercontinental Cup in 1961 and 1962 as European champions, losing on both occasions. For Lage and his players, the goal is clear: escape Group C and pursue the global trophy that has eluded the club for decades, leveraging their potent attack led by Greek striker Vangelis Pavlidis and playmaker Orkun Kokcu to challenge the world’s best.
Boca Juniors, by contrast, arrive in Miami with a point to prove after a turbulent period both on and off the field. The Argentine giants, renowned for their passionate fanbase and the electric atmosphere of their ‘chocolate box’ stadium, are making only their second appearance in the Club World Cup, having reached the final in 2007, where they fell 4-2 to AC Milan. Their qualification for the 2025 tournament was secured through their status as CONMEBOL’s second-best eligible team in the four-year rankings, largely due to their run to the 2023 Copa Libertadores final, which they lost to Fluminense. Since then, Boca’s continental performances have been lackluster, with a failure to qualify for the 2024 Copa Libertadores and a humbling exit to Peru’s Alianza Lima in this year’s qualification playoffs. Domestically, their recent elimination from the Torneo Apertura by Independiente prompted the sacking of head coach Fernando Gago, ushering in Miguel Angel Russo’s third stint at the helm. Russo, a seasoned tactician, now faces the daunting task of galvanizing a squad that includes veterans with extensive European experience, such as former Manchester United quartet Sergio Romero, Marcos Rojo, Edinson Cavani, and Ander Herrera. Despite their recent struggles, Boca’s pedigree—highlighted by three Intercontinental Cup titles—makes them a dangerous opponent, and they will look to harness their resilience and attacking threat to challenge Benfica in this crucial opener.
Benfica’s squad is a blend of youth and experience, with Lage managing a roster that combines dynamic attacking talent with defensive solidity. The absence of long-term absentees Alexander Bah and Manu Silva, coupled with the return of Swiss striker Zeki Amdouni to his parent club Burnley, slightly depletes their options, but Benfica remain a formidable force. Vangelis Pavlidis, who scored 19 goals and provided seven assists in the 2024-25 Primeira Liga, will lead the attack, his clinical finishing and movement making him a constant threat. In midfield, Orkun Kokcu, who created more chances (76) than any other player in Portugal’s top flight last season, is expected to pull the strings, his 14 goal involvements underscoring his importance to Lage’s system. The vastly experienced Argentine duo of Angel Di Maria and club captain Nicolas Otamendi will bring a full-blooded approach to the match, their familiarity with Boca’s style giving Benfica an edge in this cross-continental clash. Lage’s tactical approach, which emphasizes possession and quick transitions, is designed to exploit Boca’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in the absence of key players like Cavani, who is sidelined by injury. Benfica’s attacking firepower and cohesive unit make them favorites, but they will need to be wary of Boca’s counter-attacking threat and physicality.
Boca Juniors, under Russo’s leadership, are navigating a transitional phase but remain a squad packed with talent and experience. The absence of Edinson Cavani, a key figure in their attack, is a significant blow, with Miguel Merentiel stepping up to lead the line. Merentiel, who registered six goals and three assists in the 2025 Torneo Apertura, will be tasked with providing the focal point for Boca’s attack, supported by the creativity of Ander Herrera in midfield. The defensive unit, anchored by Marcos Rojo and Rodrigo Battaglia, will need to be at its best to contain Benfica’s attacking trio, while the recent loan signing of Marco Pellegrino from Milan adds depth to the backline. Peruvian full-back Luis Advincula’s fitness concerns may see Ayrton Costa step in, with the latter recently cleared to enter the United States on a temporary visa. Boca’s game plan is likely to focus on absorbing pressure and hitting Benfica on the break, leveraging the experience of their European-tested veterans to exploit any lapses in concentration. Russo’s challenge will be to instill discipline and cohesion in a squad that has faced recent turmoil, ensuring they can compete against a Benfica side brimming with confidence.
The clash at Hard Rock Stadium is a microcosm of the Club World Cup’s appeal, bringing together two clubs with rich histories and contrasting styles in a celebration of global football. For Benfica, the match is an opportunity to build momentum in a challenging Group C, where Bayern Munich loom as the favorites and Auckland City could play the role of spoilers. A victory over Boca would set the tone for their campaign, signaling their intent to go deep into the tournament. For Boca, the game is a chance to defy expectations and prove that their recent struggles are behind them, with Russo’s return injecting fresh hope into a squad eager to make a mark on the world stage. The presence of Argentine stars like Di Maria, Otamendi, and Boca’s veterans adds an extra layer of intrigue, as national pride and club rivalries collide. As the teams take to the field, the electric atmosphere in Miami will amplify the stakes, with fans from both sides creating a vibrant backdrop for a match that could shape the narrative of Group C. Whether Benfica’s attacking flair will overwhelm Boca’s resilience or the Argentine giants will spring a surprise remains to be seen, but the stage is set for a contest that will captivate audiences and set the tone for both teams’ Club World Cup aspirations.
