Benfica Rally Late To Draw Boca Juniors In Club World Cup Miami

In a highly charged FIFA Club World Cup Group C match held at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, Benfica staged a dramatic comeback to draw 2-2 against Boca Juniors, despite being reduced to 10 men. Boca Juniors, buoyed by an overwhelmingly supportive crowd that transformed the stadium into a replica of their home ground La Bombonera, took an early 2-0 lead through Miguel Merentiel and Rodrigo Battaglia. Benfica fought back with goals from Argentine veterans Ángel Di María, who converted a penalty before halftime after a VAR review, and Nicolás Otamendi, who scored a late header in the 86th minute. The match was intense and fiery, featuring three red cards, including dismissals for Boca's Ander Herrera and Nicolas Figal, and Benfica's Andrea Belotti. Boca dominated much of the game with aggressive and skillful play but failed to close it out, allowing Benfica to salvage a point. The passionate Boca fans remained a vibrant presence throughout, even serenading shoppers and filling the stadium with chants, underscoring their devotion despite the disappointing result.