Club World Cup: Tense draw between Benfica and Boca Juniors

What a match! In a high-voltage clash at the Club World Cup, Boca Juniors and Benfica played out a spectacular 2-2 draw, a gripping and tense encounter marked by three red cards.

Boca thought they had done the hardest part. Within 27 minutes, Merentiel and then Battaglia floored the Portuguese side (2-0). But right before halftime, a clumsy challenge from Palacios on Otamendi gifted the Eagles a penalty. Di Maria, out of respect for his former Argentine club, pulled one back without celebrating.

The second half was fraught with tension. Ander Herrera, who had just come on for Boca, was shown a straight red for dissent. Then Belotti (Benfica) and Figal (Boca) were also sent off. But it was Lisbon’s experience that prevailed. In the 84th minute, Otamendi powered home a header from a corner to level the score. 2-2, the final whistle. Benfica rescue a point, while Boca are left to rue missed opportunities.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr