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**Headline: Boca Juniors Fans Turn Miami into ‘Little Buenos Aires’ as Team Draws with Benfica in Thrilling Club World Cup Match**

**Miami, FL -** Hard Rock Stadium was transformed into a sea of blue and gold on Monday as Boca Juniors fans brought their fervent passion from Buenos Aires to Miami for their team’s Club World Cup clash against Benfica. A day after fans draped Miami Beach in their team colors, the stadium vibrated with chants and cheers as Boca Juniors battled Benfica to a 2-2 draw.

The Argentine side initially surged ahead, with Miguel Merentiel scoring in the 21st minute off a Lautaro Blanco cross, followed by a Rodrigo Battaglia header just six minutes later. Benfica, despite dominating early, were stunned.

However, Benfica fought back. A VAR review awarded them a penalty after Nicolás Otamendi was brought down in the box. Ángel Di María calmly converted, reducing the deficit just before halftime. Tensions flared as former Manchester United star Ander Herrera, now with Boca, was sent off at halftime for arguing the VAR decision.

The second half saw further drama. Benfica’s Andrea Bellotti received a straight red card in the 70th minute for a high kick. Despite being down to 10 men, Benfica equalized in the 84th minute with a powerful header from Otamendi. Boca also had Nicolas Figal sent off in the heated contest.

The draw places Boca Juniors second in Group C, behind Bayern Munich. Boca will face Bayern on Friday in Miami, while Benfica will take on Auckland City in Orlando, Florida.

The result keeps Boca’s hopes of advancing to the knockout phase alive. Organizers are optimistic about the tournament, anticipating the fervent South American support to inject energy into the remaining matches. The Reuters news service contributed to this report.

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