Sat Jun 21 01:40:00 UTC 2025: **Headline: Ten-Man Benfica Battles Back to Draw with Boca Juniors in Fiery Club World Cup Clash**
**Miami, FL** – In a match filled with drama, red cards, and a late comeback, Benfica and Boca Juniors played to a 2-2 draw in their Club World Cup Group C encounter at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. Boca Juniors, backed by a boisterous fan base, initially took a commanding 2-0 lead through goals from Miguel Merentiel and Rodrigo Battaglia.
However, Benfica clawed their way back into the game after Nicolas Otamendi drew a penalty, which Angel Di Maria coolly converted. Boca’s Ander Herrera, already substituted due to injury, was sent off for protesting the decision. The second half saw Benfica reduced to ten men after Andrea Belotti was shown a red card for a high challenge.
Despite the disadvantage, Benfica rallied, with Otamendi heading in a late equalizer. Boca Juniors also ended the game with ten men after Jorge Figal received a red card. The result leaves both teams with work to do in their remaining group matches against Auckland City and Bayern Munich, with goal difference potentially deciding who progresses.
First Piper 