Boca Juniors, Benfica Draw in Club World Cup Opener

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicked off with a dramatic Group C match between Boca Juniors and Benfica at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, ending in a 2-2 draw marked by three red cards and 22 fouls. Boca Juniors, guided by returning coach Miguel Angel Russo, surged ahead with two first-half goals, while Benfica equalized through a penalty from Angel Di María and a late goal by Nicolás Otamendi. The match was played in front of thousands of passionate Boca supporters, who gave the team a home-like advantage. Russo, now in his third stint as Boca coach, emphasized the importance of these high-stakes matches for advancing in the tournament. Benfica faced the game with several key players out injured, but remained a strong opponent. The intense atmosphere and heated on-field action set the tone for the expanded Club World Cup.