Boca Juniors have been in solid form in the Liga Profesional de Fútbol, showcasing their attacking prowess with Uruguayan striker Miguel Merentiel leading the line. Merentiel has been pivotal, ranking high in expected assisted goals and non-penalty xG, often creating opportunities with precise passing.
However, Boca’s recent form has been poor, as they have failed to win their last four competitive matches, suffering two defeats and picking up two draws. Their defensive solidity will be tested, as they’ve managed just one clean sheet in their previous four outings.
Benfica, under coach Bruno Lage, has been a force in the Portuguese Primeira Liga, although they were eliminated in the Champions League Round of 16 by Barcelona. The Eagles have struggled internationally, having failed to secure a win in their last three Champions League matches. Despite this, their squad boasts quality and experience, featuring a balanced attack that has scored 11 goals in their last five matches across all competitions, whilst conceding four.
Historically, Boca Juniors and Benfica have never met in competitive action, making this a fresh and intriguing clash. Boca’s passionate style and South American flair will contrast with Benfica’s disciplined, European approach, promising a captivating encounter.
Boca’s recent form includes a 2-1 victory over River Plate in the Argentine Superclásico, boosting morale, but their away form has been patchy, with only two wins in their last six on the road. Benfica’s recent form has been underwhelming, as the Eagles have now failed to win in their last three competitive outings.
The Hard Rock Stadium, hosting this Group C opener, is set to provide a vibrant atmosphere as Miami locals and international fans converge for this historic tournament. With both teams eyeing a top-two finish in a group that also includes Bayern Munich and Auckland City, a positive result here could set the tone for their campaign.
CA Boca Juniors form (all competitions):
SL Benfica form (all competitions):
Team News
Boca Juniors face injury concerns, with key goalkeeper Sergio Romero sidelined due to knee surgery. Coach Fernando Gago is likely to rely on Merentiel up top, supported by Milton Gimenez. A back four of Juan Ramírez, Marcos Rojo, Lautaro Di Lollo, and Luis Advíncula could feature in front of goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin.
Benfica will miss Alexander Bah (cruciate ligament tear) and Manu Silva (cruciate ligament tear). The Eagles can call upon the likes of Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Orkun Kökçü to drive their attack. A possible backline of António Silva, Nicolás Otamendi, and Álvaro Carreras may shield goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.
CA Boca Juniors possible starting lineup:
Marchesin; Advíncula, Rojo, Di Lollo, Battaglia; Palacios, Delgado, Belmonte; Zenón, Merentiel, Gimenez
SL Benfica possible starting lineup:
Trubin; Santos, Silva, Otamendi, Carreras; Kökçü, Florentino, Barreiro; Aktürkoğlu, Pavlidis, Schjelderup
We Say: CA Boca Juniors 1-1 SL Benfica
From our most up-to-date football facts, this matchup pits two historic clubs with passionate fan bases against each other, and both sides have the quality to make it a tight contest. Boca’s attacking flair, led by Merentiel, could trouble Benfica’s defence, but the Portuguese side’s experience in European competitions gives them an edge in organisation. Given their respective forms and injury concerns, a draw seems a likely outcome in this high-stakes opener.
