Red card after VAR: Boca Juniors beat Benfica with Belotti sent off in tight Club World Cup match Por Luís Henrique Costa
7 min de leitura
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In an electrifying match during the FIFA Club World Cup group stage, Boca Juniors defeated Benfica 2-1 up to the 30th minute of the second half, played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday, June 16, 2025. The game was marked by tension, with the highlight being the expulsion of Benfica’s striker Belotti after a VAR review, which overturned a yellow card and issued a straight red for a serious foul. Merentiel and Battaglia scored for the Argentine side, while Di María, from a penalty, pulled one back for the Portuguese team. The match, still ongoing, reflects the intense rivalry between the teams, with strategic substitutions and decisive moments. Boca’s fans, filling the stands, celebrated the partial lead.
The clash began with Benfica dominating possession but struggling to break through Boca Juniors’ solid defense. The Argentine team, led by debuting coach Miguel Ángel Russo, relied on long balls to exploit Merentiel’s speed. The strategy paid off at the 20th minute of the first half when Blanco crossed for the striker to open the scoring.
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- Key moments of the first half:
- 20 minutes: Merentiel scores after a Blanco cross.
- 27 minutes: Battaglia extends the lead with a header from a corner.
- 44 minutes: Penalty awarded to Benfica after Palacios fouls Otamendi.
- 47 minutes: Di María converts the penalty, reducing the deficit.
The second half brought even more excitement, with substitutions and a fast-paced rhythm. Belotti’s expulsion at the 26th minute, after striking Ayrton Costa with his foot in an aerial duel, shifted the game’s dynamics. Boca Juniors, despite their numerical advantage, faces pressure from Benfica, who are pushing for an equalizer.
Early moments secure the advantage
The match started with Benfica trying to impose their style, exchanging passes and seeking gaps. Di María, in his final tournament with Benfica before joining Rosario Central, was the main playmaker. However, Boca’s defense, led by Ayrton Costa and Figal, neutralized early threats. At the 12th minute, Velasco nearly scored with a powerful shot from outside the box, but it went over Trubin’s goal.
At the 20th minute, Boca found the net. Marchesín launched a long ball, Blanco nutmegged Florentino, and crossed perfectly for Merentiel to finish with precision. The goal ignited the Argentine crowd, turning Hard Rock Stadium into a cauldron. Seven minutes later, Battaglia capitalized on a well-taken corner by Zenón to double the lead.
Benfica responded late in the first half. After a corner, Palacios fouled Otamendi, and the referee, following a VAR review, awarded a penalty. Di María, composed, beat Marchesín to cut the deficit. The first half ended with Boca players protesting the penalty call.
Belotti’s expulsion changes the game
The second half saw a more aggressive Benfica, but Belotti’s red card at the 26th minute disrupted their plans. The striker, initially shown a yellow for hitting Ayrton Costa, saw the referee review the incident on VAR and issue a straight red. With a man down, Benfica relied on Di María’s individual brilliance and substitutions to try to turn the tide.
Before the incident, Boca had created chances. At the 4th minute, Velasco’s dangerous free-kick forced a save from Trubin. Merentiel, a key figure in Boca’s attack, kept moving well but needed medical attention for cramps at the 16th minute. The Argentine side also made substitutions, with Milton Giménez and Alarcón coming on to bolster the attack and midfield.
Timeline of key moments
The match was filled with high-intensity moments. Below are the main events up to the 30th minute of the second half:
- 20’ (1H): Merentiel opens the scoring after a Blanco cross.
- 27’ (1H): Battaglia scores with a header from a Zenón corner.
- 47’ (1H): Di María scores from a penalty for Benfica.
- 24’ (2H): Belotti receives a yellow card for a foul on Ayrton Costa.
- 26’ (2H): After VAR review, Belotti is sent off with a straight red.
Argentine fans make the difference
Boca Juniors’ supporters were a standout feature. The Argentines sold out tickets for the group stage matches and threw a massive party in Miami before the game. In the stadium, their chants and energy lifted the team, especially after Merentiel and Battaglia’s goals. The vibrant atmosphere contrasted with the on-field tension, including player clashes and VAR decisions.
Boca Juniors, despite missing the injured Edinson Cavani, showed tactical discipline and capitalized on Benfica’s mistakes. The Portuguese side struggled without Belotti, a key attacking reference alongside Pavlidis. Di María’s experience, however, kept Benfica in the game.
Strategic substitutions
Both teams made changes to adjust their approaches. For Boca, Milton Giménez replaced Zenón at the 13th minute of the second half, while Alarcón came on for Palacios at the 19th minute. Merentiel, who left for medical attention, was substituted by Zeballos at the 20th minute. For Benfica, Aktürkoglu and Kökçü entered at the 15th minute, aiming to add speed and creativity to the midfield.
The substitutions reflected the coaches’ intentions. Miguel Ángel Russo, in his Boca debut, sought to maintain attacking intensity, while Benfica tried to reorganize their midfield after Belotti’s dismissal. Aktürkoglu’s entry, for instance, brought more dynamism to the Portuguese attack, though they still struggled against Boca’s defense.
Refereeing and VAR in the spotlight
The refereeing, led by Mexican César Arturo Ramos, played a decisive role. Besides Belotti’s expulsion, the VAR was used in other moments, such as the penalty call for Benfica in the first half. The review of the Otamendi-Palacios incident sparked controversy, with Boca players surrounding the referee after the first half ended.
Another tense moment involved Herrera, who received a red card from the bench for protesting at the 44th minute of the first half. VAR decisions and disciplinary actions heightened the on-field rivalry, with players like Renato Sanches and Velasco involved in heated exchanges.
Clubs’ history in the tournament
The Boca Juniors vs. Benfica clash highlighted both teams’ experience in international competitions. Boca, champions in 1977, 2000, and 2003, entered the match with the confidence of their legacy. Benfica, runners-up in 1961 and 1962, aimed for their first title. The Miami game underscored the match’s significance for both sides, who share Group C with Bayern Munich.
Boca, without Cavani, relied on Merentiel, who has seven goals this season, as their main attacking threat. For Benfica, Pavlidis, the team’s top scorer with 29 goals, was tightly marked and produced little so far. Di María’s experience, however, kept the Portuguese side competitive.
Match continues with excitement
With the lead and a numerical advantage, Boca Juniors aims to manage the result, but Benfica remains determined. Di María, despite the burden of leading the attack, continued creating chances, while Carreras and Aktürkoglu looked to exploit the flanks. Boca, backed by their fans, relies on counterattacks with Milton Giménez and Zeballos.
The match, still unfinished, promises more thrills. Belotti’s expulsion left Benfica at a disadvantage, but their technical quality keeps hopes of a comeback alive. Boca, with strong fan support, stands firm in pursuit of a debut victory in the Club World Cup.
