Argentinian giants Boca Juniors kick off their 2025 Club World Cup journey under the returning stewardship of Miguel Angel Russo, eager to recapture the international glory of two decades past.
After a rocky first half of the domestic season, marked by an early Copa Libertadores exit and Fernando Gago's departure as coach, the new man in charge is banking everything on this revamped tournament.
Lacking big-money signings but steely in experience, with Agustin Marchesin in goal, Marcos Rojo marshaling the backline, Ander Herrera dictating play and former Manchester United man Edinson Cavani up front, Boca will be laser-focused on securing a Round of 16 berth.
Their first hurdle is Benfica at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, a clash that promises fireworks. The Portuguese heavyweights, under Bruno Lage, have only lifted the Portuguese League Cup so far this season and are itching to rectify their underwhelming form.
The match will also serve as Angel Di Maria's swansong before he returns home to Rosario Central. For Las Aguilas, a victory over Boca is non-negotiable to keep their trophy ambitions alive.
Betfair has a clear favourite for this one, and it is Benfica with short odds of 8/11. A Boca win in Miami goes up to 43/10, while the draw is priced at 14/5.
The Sporting News presents predictions and tips to bet and make the match even more exciting.
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Boca vs. Benfica prediction, tips, bet builder and odds for Club World Cup clash
Vangelis Pavlidis to score at anytime: 4/1 (Betfair)
Even with Arthur Cabral making a recent move to Botafogo, Benfica's attacking threat remains very much intact thanks to Vangelis Pavlidis. The Greek striker has emerged as a lethal finisher for the Portuguese side, netting 29 goals across 53 appearances over the past six months, including 19 in the Primeira Liga alone. A regular for the Greek national team and fresh off a brace at Wembley against England, the 26-year-old is in scorching form and poised to trouble Boca's backline in Miami.
Total Goals OVER 0.5 in the first half: 2/5 (Betfair)
This group-stage clash could prove pivotal, with Bayern Munich likely to top the group and Auckland City the group's rank outsiders. That raises the stakes for both Boca and Benfica, who will be pushing to seize control early. Boca have managed to hit the net in three straight away matches, including a 21st-minute strike from Zenon against Tigre recently. They've also shown vulnerability in the opening half-hour, as seen when River Plate's Mastantuono scored early. Meanwhile, five of Benfica's last 11 goals have come before the 30-minute mark, making this a solid pick for bettors expecting fireworks in the first half.
Boca vs. Benfica predicted score and most likely results
Here's some of the most likely results for this Club World Cup match-up, according to Betfair. Odds are correct with all the firms listed at the time of publish, but are subject to change.
| Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| Benfica 1-0 | 6/1 |
| Draw 1-1 | 13/2 |
| Benfica 2-0 | 15/2 |
| Benfica 2-1 | 15/2 |
| Boca 1-0 | 13/1 |
| Boca 2-1 | 14/1 |
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How to watch Boca vs. Benfica in Club World Cup action
- Date: Monday, June 16, 2025
- Venue: Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida
- Time: 11:00 p.m. BST
- TV/Streaming: DAZN
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