A FIFA Club World Cup Group C match between Boca Juniors and Benfica ended in a 2-2 draw marked by high drama, four goals, and three red cards. The match, held on Monday, June 16, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, USA, saw a passionate crowd of 55,574, largely composed of Boca Juniors supporters, creating a home-like atmosphere for the Argentinian side.
Boca Juniors took an early lead, scoring twice in the first half. Miguel Merentiel found the net in the 21st minute, followed by Rodrigo Battaglia in the 27th minute, putting the Argentinian side firmly in control. However, Benfica managed to reduce the deficit just before halftime when Ángel Di María converted a penalty awarded after a VAR review. The penalty was conceded following a foul on Nicolás Otamendi by Carlos Palacios. Adding to the drama of the first half, Ander Herrera of Boca Juniors was shown a red card.
The second half continued with intensity. Benfica's Andrea Belotti received a red card in the 72nd minute, further escalating the tension. Benfica fought back, and Nicolás Otamendi scored a crucial header in the 84th minute, leveling the score at 2-2. In the dying minutes, Nicolás Figal of Boca Juniors also received a red card, reducing Boca to nine men and Benfica to ten.
The match was characterized by intense physical play, resulting in a total of 22 fouls, 14 of which were committed by Benfica. In addition to the three red cards, there were also four yellow cards issued. The result leaves both teams with one point each in Group C. Boca Juniors will face Bayern Munich in their next match in Miami, while Benfica will play against Auckland City.
