Sabasports Match Preview
Club World Cup: Boca Juniors vs Benfica
Kickoff Time: 2025-06-17 06:00 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/PEDRO ROCHA
As one of Argentina’s traditional powerhouses, Boca Juniors has been struggling in recent years. The conflicts both on and off the field, coupled with poor performance on the pitch, have become their main themes. Earlier, Boca Juniors sacked head coach Fernando Gago and brought back veteran manager Miguel Russo in an effort to put the team back on track. At 69 years old, Miguel Russo is a pragmatist whose tactical style emphasizes simplicity and directness. His favored formations are 4-3-3 and 4-4-2. However, since Boca Juniors only made a hasty coaching change in late May, the team still needs time to gel tactically. Therefore, it is expected that Boca Juniors will adopt their previous defensive-leaning strategy to face the upcoming Club World Cup.
Benfica, a traditional powerhouse from the Primeira Liga, usually has tight control over the rhythm of domestic matches. Benfica primarily uses a 4-3-3 formation, excelling in high pressing and quick transitions between defense and attack. Their strengths lie in their ability to break down defenses on the flanks and their midfield orchestration. The current squad features key players such as center-back Antonio Silva and striker Vangelis Pavlidis who are in their prime. Moreover, this Club World Cup marks Angel Di Maria’s final tournament for Benfica. At 37 years old, he still possesses sharp dribbling skills and the ability to deliver crucial passes. He is also a player capable of turning the tide of a match.
Boca Juniors is notorious for being weak away from home, and without the boost of playing at their South American home ground, their fighting strength diminishes significantly. Additionally, there is a clear gap in overall strength between Boca Juniors and Benfica. With these considerations, Benfica, being the stronger side, is certainly worth backing.
Boca Juniors’ Last 5 Games: LDDLW
25-05-20 Boca Juniors 0-1 Independiente
25-05-11 Boca Juniors 0-0 Lanus (PEN 4-2)
25-05-05 Tigre 1-1 Boca Juniors
25-04-28 River Plate 2-1 Boca Juniors
25-04-20 Boca Juniors 2-0 Estudiantes de la Plata
Benfica’s Last 5 Games: DDDWW
25-05-26 Benfica 1-1 Sporting CP (ET 0-2)
25-05-18 SC Braga 1-1 Benfica
25-05-11 Benfica 1-1 Sporting CP
25-05-04 Estoril 1-2 Benfica
25-04-28 Benfica 6-0 AVS Futebol SAD
Head To Head Record:
None
Prediction: Benfica to win