Boca vs Benfica draw 0-0 in first 15 minutes of FIFA Club World Cup Por Luís Henrique Costa
6 min de leitura
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In an electrifying clash at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Boca Juniors and Benfica kicked off the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group stage with a goalless draw in the first 15 minutes of the first half on the evening of Sunday, June 16, 2025. The match, marking both teams’ debut in the tournament, brings together passionate fans and experienced players like Benfica’s Ángel Di María and Boca’s Merentiel. The game, still ongoing, promises excitement with intense plays and well-defined tactical strategies. Refereed by Mexican César Arturo Ramos, the duel unfolds under the eyes of thousands of fans, with a notable presence of Argentine supporters in the stands.
The atmosphere in Miami is festive, especially for Boca Juniors fans, who sold out tickets for the initial group stage matches and turned the city’s streets into a sea of blue and yellow. Benfica, meanwhile, relies on Di María’s experience, as he plays his final moments with the Portuguese club before transferring to Rosario Central. The tactical battle between coaches Miguel Ángel Russo, in his third stint with Boca, and Bruno Lage, of Benfica, adds layers of strategy to the matchup.
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In the opening minutes, balance prevails. Boca tries to set the pace with short passes, while Benfica bets on quick wing plays. Key moments so far include:
- Intense start: The ball rolled at 7:00 PM, with Boca seeking control from the opening whistle.
- Missed opportunities: Both teams created chances but failed to convert.
- Individual highlight: Boca’s Velasco starred in a skillful move against Di María.
Early action in Miami
The match began with Boca Juniors aiming to control possession, exchanging short passes in their defensive half. At 2 minutes, Benfica earned a corner after a blocked shot by Pavlidis, but Di María’s delivery was cleared by the Argentine defense. The Portuguese side showed tactical organization, with Bruma and Renato Sanches exploiting the flanks. Boca countered with a break led by Palacios, who couldn’t find Merentiel in a scoring position. The crowd, especially the Argentine contingent, keeps the stadium alive, cheering every play.
At 5 minutes, Renato Sanches nearly opened the scoring for Benfica. After a one-two with Pavlidis, the midfielder struck first-time, but the ball skimmed past the post. Boca had their best chance at 12 minutes when Velasco dribbled past Di María and fired a powerful shot from outside the box, troubling goalkeeper Trubin. The match’s intensity reflects the stakes of the debut for both teams in Group C, which also includes Bayern Munich and Auckland City.
History and rivalry
Boca Juniors and Benfica bring significant historical weight to the pitch. The Argentine club, world champions in 1977, 2000, and 2003, aims to reaffirm its legacy in the tournament. Benfica, runners-up in 1961 and 1962, seeks an elusive first title. The experience of players like Otamendi for Benfica and Advíncula for Boca is a key factor in this tight contest. The game also marks the debut of Miguel Ángel Russo as Boca’s coach, raising expectations for a more aggressive approach.
Boca’s 3-5-2 formation prioritizes defensive solidity with Battaglia and Figal at the back, while Benfica’s 4-3-3 leans on the speed of Bruma and Pavlidis. The absence of Edinson Cavani, sidelined by a calf injury, is felt by Boca, which relies on Merentiel to lead the attack. For Benfica, Di María remains the linchpin, despite a tough challenge from Ayrton Costa at 11 minutes that sparked complaints from the Portuguese bench.
Timeline of key moments
The first 15 minutes featured moments of tension and skill. Highlights include:
- 2’: Pavlidis’ shot is blocked, earning Benfica a corner. Di María’s cross is cleared by Herrera.
- 5’: Renato Sanches takes a pass from Pavlidis and shoots dangerously, but the ball goes wide.
- 10’: Bruma misplaces a key pass in the box, wasting a Benfica chance.
- 12’: Velasco dribbles Di María and fires a long-range shot, but it sails over.
- 14’: Di María earns a dangerous free kick, but Battaglia heads it away.
On-field strategies
Boca Juniors adopts a cautious stance, focusing on defensive recovery. Ayrton Costa and Advíncula have been crucial in containing Bruma and Pavlidis. In midfield, Herrera and Velasco try to link up with the attack but face tight marking from Florentino and Renato Sanches. Benfica, meanwhile, uses wing triangles, with Dahl and Carreras pushing forward. Possession is balanced, with Boca at 40% and Benfica at 60%, per early stats.
Referee César Ramos has been firm but hasn’t issued cards yet. Two fouls by Boca and none by Benfica suggest a physical but controlled game. Boca’s fans, who went viral in Miami with beach celebrations, keep the energy high, while Portuguese supporters respond with organized chants.
Standout players
Velasco, just 22, is emerging as a Boca Juniors prospect. His 12th-minute dribble past Di María thrilled the crowd and showcased his confidence. For Benfica, Renato Sanches’ dynamic movement makes him a midfield threat. Pavlidis, the team’s top scorer with 29 goals this season, is still finding space against Boca’s defense. Di María, despite a hard foul, continues to orchestrate Benfica’s plays with his trademark vision.
Atmosphere and expectations
Hard Rock Stadium, with a 65,000 capacity, is packed for the clash. Boca’s sold-out fanbase creates a finals-like atmosphere, even in the group stage. Benfica’s smaller but vocal contingent trusts their experienced squad to push for victory. The match is pivotal for both teams’ ambitions in Group C, where Bayern Munich leads after their opening win.
Tactical details
Boca relies on long balls to Merentiel, who battles Otamendi and António Silva aerially. The strategy struggles against Benfica’s composed build-up, with Trubin acting as a sweeper-keeper under pressure. Benfica’s high press disrupts Boca’s transitions, forcing frequent retreats to reorganize. The game remains open, with chances for both sides but no goals yet.
Moments of tension
At 11 minutes, Ayrton Costa’s challenge on Di María prompted protests from Benfica’s staff, who called for stricter refereeing. The Argentine, nursing rib pain, quickly resumed play. The incident highlighted the South American rivalry, with Otamendi and Advíncula exchanging glances. The match, though competitive, maintains a high technical level with few misplaced passes.
Early numbers
First-half stats show Benfica as the more attacking side, with two shots to Boca’s one. The Portuguese also lead in possession and pass accuracy, with 92% to Boca’s 79%. Benfica has one corner, while Boca leads in tackles (seven to one). No cards have kept the game flowing, but the referee remains vigilant amid physical duels.
