Argentinians di Maria and Otamendi score against Boca - Three red cards in Miami
In front of packed crowds, Bayern's group opponents delivered a wild opening match. Ejections and brawls punctuated the 2-2 draw between Boca and Benfica.
Plenty of action at the Hard Rock Stadium: Carlos Ramos Palazuelos shows Nicolas Figal the red card. picture alliance / ZUMAPRESS.com
Bayern Munich are in for a real treat. At least their group opponents, Boca Juniors and Benfica Lisbon, gave a taste of how intense this Club World Cup can be with a 2-2 draw in Miami. Nothing compared to the relaxed start of the German champions' 10-0 victory over Auckland – but that much was already clear.
The renowned clubs from the capitals of Argentina and Portugal fought a heated battle in front of 55,574 fans at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, which was overshadowed by three red cards and other wild scenes.
Incidentally, Bayern will face the Argentinian record champions at that venue on Friday evening local time (Saturday, 3 a.m. CEST/ Sat.1 and DAZN ) and can secure their ticket for the round of 16.
Boca squanders leadAbout the match: The 35-time champions squandered a 2-0 lead against Benfica. Miguel Merentiel and Rodrigo Battaglia had seemingly put Boca on course for victory with a double strike midway through the first half (21st, 27th). But it was Benfica's Argentinian compatriots who threw a wrench into the works for the traditional club from the Rio de la Plata as the game wore on.
World champions Angel di Maria with a penalty (45th+3) and Nicolas Otamendi (84th) with a late header - both at the age of 37 in the late autumn of their successful careers - equalised for Benfica, who fielded a former Bayern player, Renato Sanches, in the starting lineup.
| stadium | Hard Rock Stadium |
| Viewers | 55,574 |
In addition to the equalizer, the second half saw numerous fouls – some of the more serious kind. Lisbon defender Andrea Belotti (70th minute) and Boca's Nicolas Figal (88th minute) were sent off for rough kicks.
Security guard stops raging HerreraEven before halftime, things had become heated on the Boca bench surrounding Lisbon's controversial penalty. Ander Herrera, who had been substituted due to injury, attempted to attack referee Cesar Arturo Ramos Palazuelos (Mexico) as he was reviewing his decision on the video screen. A security guard restrained the agitated player. Following the ensuing scuffle, Herrera received the first of three red cards in the match.
