Boca Juniors Draw with Benfica in Club World Cup Debut

Boca Juniors began their 2025 Club World Cup campaign with a spirited but ultimately disappointing 2-2 draw against Benfica, despite initially leading 2-0. Coach Miguel Ángel Russo, in his third stint with the club, emphasized Boca’s readiness and competitive spirit ahead of the tournament, acknowledging the tough challenge posed by European heavyweights Benfica and Bayern Munich. Russo highlighted the importance of the opening match and the vital role of Boca’s passionate supporters in Miami, while managing concerns over Edinson Cavani’s fitness. Key players such as the Uruguayan striker and Rodrigo Battaglia had standout performances in the opener, with Battaglia notably excelling in midfield after a tactical shift. Boca's iconic figure Juan Román Riquelme, though absent from training, expressed optimism about the squad's potential and the excitement surrounding the tournament, underscoring the importance of dreaming big and competing with intensity. The team and staff maintain cautious confidence as they prepare for challenging upcoming matches in the tournament.