Boca Juniors and Benfica face off in a high-stakes Group C opener at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Both sides enter with strong international pedigree—Boca as South America’s historic giant, and Benfica representing European consistency. With Bayern Munich looming as group favorites, this match could decide who advances to the knockout stage.
Boca arrives with defensive concerns, including the absence of Ayrton Costa due to visa issues, but boasts experience in Edinson Cavani and Ander Herrera. Benfica, on the other hand, leans on seasoned leaders like Di María and Otamendi, alongside rising talents João Neves and Orkun Kökçü.
A win here would give either club early control of the group, while a draw keeps their fate uncertain. Expect a tightly contested battle blending South American grit with European structure.
Team Form
Boca Juniors
Qualified via South American four-year ranking; Copa Libertadores runners-up in 2007 .
Argentine domestic campaign: reached Apertura quarter‑finals, but eliminated by Independiente .
Injury troubles and visa complications (defender Ayrton Costa declared ineligible by US authorities) have affected preparations .
Benfica
Qualified via UEFA ranking (seeded Pot 2) .
Domestic season ended in disappointment, finishing behind Sporting; no major trophy wins .
Still relies on experienced figures like Ángel Di María and Álvaro Carreras to step up on the international stage .
Boca vs Benfica Match Context
This match is the group opener between Boca Juniors and Benfica, both currently tied at 0‑0‑0 and 0 points.
Bayern Munich also shares the same record, and Auckland City rounds out the group with identical stats.
What to Expect
The outcome of this match will initially define the standings, placing the winner at the top tied on points but potentially ahead on goal difference.
A win for Benfica would catapult them to the top of the group with 3 points; the same applies for Boca Juniors.
A draw would leave both teams with 1 point, making the standings more tightly contested with Bayern Munich to follow in their opener.
Team Details
Here are the detailed team profiles for Boca Juniors and Benfica ahead of their clash in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup:
Boca Juniors (Argentina)
Credentials
Confederation: CONMEBOL
Qualification: Top-ranked South American club over the 2021–2024 cycle
Club World Cup Appearances: 4th
Best Finish: Runner-up (2000, 2001, 2003, 2007)
Manager
Diego Martínez – Known for defensive organization and pressing systems
Key Players
Edinson Cavani – Veteran striker, goal threat and leader up front
Cristian Medina – Box-to-box midfielder, Boca’s engine
Sergio Romero – Former Argentina #1, Boca’s last line of defense
Aarón Anselmino – Young defensive talent
Ander Herrera – Former PSG/Man Utd star, provides creativity and control
Recent Notes
Copa de la Liga: Knocked out in quarter-finals by Independiente
Visa issues briefly kept Ayrton Costa out of the squad; later resolved
Heavy South American support expected in Miami
Benfica (Portugal)
Credentials
Confederation: UEFA
Qualification: Top UEFA club (non-UCL winner) over 2021–2024 period
Club World Cup Appearances: 1st under the new format
Best International Finish: European Cup winners (1961, 1962)
Manager
Roger Schmidt – German coach known for intense pressing and fluid attack
Key Players
Ángel Di María – 2022 World Cup winner, creative veteran
João Neves – Rising Portuguese midfield talent
Rafa Silva – Fast, technical attacking midfielder
Nicolás Otamendi – Experienced Argentine center-back
Orkun Kökçü – Deep-lying playmaker, signed from Feyenoord
Recent Notes
Finished second in the 2024–25 Primeira Liga behind Sporting CP
Mixed form in Europe last season; solid but not elite
Experience and flair from stars like Di María and Otamendi may decide tough matches
Predicted Lineup
Here are the predicted starting lineups for Boca Juniors vs Benfica in the Group C opener of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, based on recent reports and team news:
Boca Juniors (4-3-3)
GK: Agustín Marchesín
Defence: Lucas Blondel (RB), Guillermo Battaglia (CB), Marcos Rojo (CB), Lautaro Blanco (LB)
Midfield Trio: Diego Belmonte (DM), Mateo Delgado (CM), Ander Herrera (CM)
Attack: Exequiel Zeballos (RW), Edinson Cavani (ST), Kevin Zenon (LW)
Key Updates:
Ayrton Costa (CB) is absent due to visa refusal; Marcos Rojo steps in .
New signing Marco Pellegrino is injured, so won’t feature .
Edinson Cavani may be a late fitness check (hamstring concerns) .
Benfica (likely 4-2-3-1/4-3-3)
While exact picks are less certain, a probable first XI could include:
GK: Anatoliy Trubin
Defence: Full-back & centre-back combination featuring Nicolás Otamendi
Midfield: Orkun Kökçü (deep), João Neves, Rafa Silva/Ángel Di María
Attack: Vangelis Pavlidis (ST), supported by Di María, Rafa Silva or others in wider roles
Key Notes:
Ángel Di María brings experience and creativity in midfield/wing .
Nicolás Otamendi provides veteran leadership in central defence.
Match Importance: Boca Juniors vs Benfica – Club World Cup 2025
This opening Group C clash between Boca Juniors and Benfica carries major significance for both clubs in the context of the tournament and beyond:
1. Group Stage Momentum
• This is the first match in Group C, meaning the winner will go top of the group and gain a crucial head start.
• With Bayern Munich expected to dominate the group, Boca and Benfica are likely fighting for second place—making this a must-not-lose match.
2. Knockout Qualification Stakes
• Only the top two teams from each group advance to the Round of 16.
• Dropping points in the opener increases pressure in the following matches (vs Bayern or Auckland City).
3. South America vs Europe Rivalry
• A classic continental rivalry: South American passion (Boca) vs European precision (Benfica).
• A statement game for CONMEBOL vs UEFA, with both teams wanting to prove their region’s dominance under the new 32-team Club World Cup format.
4. Financial and Prestige Incentives
• Progressing deep into the tournament means multi-million-dollar prize money.
• Winning this match brings increased global exposure, sponsor interest, and potential transfer value boosts.
5. Squad & Tactical Tests
• For Diego Martínez (Boca) and Roger Schmidt (Benfica), it’s a tactical chess match—both need to test formations and player fitness.
• A chance to showcase star names like Cavani, Di María, Ander Herrera, and João Neves on the global stage.
Conclusion: Boca Juniors vs Benfica
This Group C clash between Boca Juniors and Benfica is more than just an opening fixture—it’s a potential decider for who advances alongside tournament favorite Bayern Munich. With both clubs stacked with experience and tactical depth, the outcome could hinge on small margins: Cavani’s finishing, Di María’s creativity, or a defensive slip.
A win here sets the tone for progression; a loss means chasing results. Expect a cagey yet intense contest, blending South American tenacity with European efficiency—perfectly setting the stage for the rest of Club World Cup 2025.
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