Boca had a dream first 45 minutes with two goals in the first half against a Benfica that started off poorly and improved as the match went on, and managed to secure a hard-fought draw in the opening matchday of the Club World Cup.
In the opening minutes of the match, Xeneize was weakened by Benfica's pressure and lost Ander Herrera, one of its key players, due to injury. However, in the 21st minute, Lautaro Blanco broke down the right and delivered a perfect cross for Miguel Merentiel's excellent finish, who scored what was, up to that point, an unexpected 1-0.
Moments later, the Ribera club would surprise again and, through a header from Rodrigo Battaglia, would take a two-goal lead over a Portuguese team that could not find answers.
Although it seemed the first half would end without many more highlights, near the end Carlos Palacios would bring down Nicolás Otamendi in the box and Ander Herrera, already on the bench, would be sent off for protesting. Ángel Di María was the one who took the penalty, managing to pull one back for his team.
