Boca Juniors v Benfica match preview
Thirty-five-time Argentinian champions Boca Juniors will attempt to reach the Fifa Club World Cup final for the second time in their history when their Group C campaign begins against Benfica on Monday.
The game will represent the start of the third spell in charge for manager Miguel Angel Russo, who first became Boca boss in 2007.
“We have to be up to the task,” warned the former Argentina midfielder. “We’re going to compete at a high level, where very few compete, and we’re privileged to be there.
“I’ve focused a lot on the physical aspect… what things were done well and what were done poorly. We looked for a balance.
“Boca has to compete as it has throughout its history. This is something unique and difficult against very high-level teams. But Boca is Boca and it has to [challenge] in line with its history.”
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While Boca are 16 games into their season, Benfica’s campaign ended in cruel style in the Taca de Portugal final on May 25, when they were 1-0 ahead against Sporting until a penalty 11 minutes into added time before losing 3-1 after extra time.
Benfica finished second to Sporting in the league, won the Portuguese League Cup and made the Champions League round of 16.
“Being able to represent a club like Benfica in this tournament is a great source of pride,” said midfielder Leandro Barreiro, via A Bola.
“It’s not every day that you get the chance to play against one of these teams and we’re really looking forward to seeing what the atmosphere will be like and making the most of the game,” he added.
“We arrived [on Thursday], [on Friday] we had a bit of a relaxed training session. Everyone is prepared. We slept well. We are already in the rhythm of training and I don’t see much tiredness.”
Boca Juniors v Benfica team news
Boca Juniors striker Edinson Cavani is recovering from a tear but could be back for their second group stage game against Bayern Munich on Friday.
Marco Pellegrino has trained separately while the defender recovers from a torn muscle but defender Luis Advincula and winger Malcom Braida could return.
Ayrton Costa was initially denied a Visa because of a probationary sentence he accepted in 2023 to avoid trial for an alleged aggravated robbery in 2018, but the centre-back has now been allowed to join his team.
“We are Boca – we are huge and we don’t forget that,” said Costa. “I’m happy to be here. I thank the club for holding on until the end and Russo for putting me on the list.
“They told me they would confirm the visa by email, but they didn’t send anything and they called me from an unknown number about four times. I didn’t want to answer, but I did and that’s when they told me to go and get it.
“The first person I told that I had permission was my mother. She was anxious and she’s the one who’s always there when the lights go out. She was very happy.
“I’m tired from the trip but I’m really excited. The team is really hungry and eager for glory.”
Right-back Alexander Bah and midfielder Manu have not played for Benfica since suffering knee injuries within minutes of each other in February.
Defender Tomas Araujo was linked with a move to Chelsea this week and forward Vangelis Pavlidis could be a player to watch, having produced 19 goals and seven assists in the league last season – the most direct goal involvements in the Portuguese top flight of anyone except Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres.
Boca Juniors v Benfica expected line-ups
Boca Juniors starting XI: Marchesin; Blondel, Figal, Rojo, Blanco; Zenon, Alarcon, Delgado, Velasco; Palacios, Merentiel
Benfica starting XI: Soares; Otamendi, Silva, Carreras; Araujo, Kokcu, Luis, Dahl; Bruma, Akturkoglu; Pavlidis
Kick-off on Monday is at 23:00 BST, with free live coverage on Channel 5 starting at 22:45.
John Obi Mikel, Sami Khedira, Ronaldo, Christian Vieri, Shay Given, Callum Wilson, Andros Townsend, Ade Oladipo, Kelly Somers and Fabrizio Romano are among the broadcaster’s pundits and presenters.
The co-commentators are Andros Townsend, Michael Brown, Brad Friedel, Rob Green, Danny Higginbotham, Don Hutchison, Jonas Olsson and Anita Asante.
A highlights and analysis show, The Press, will be presented by James Alcott and Julien Laurens and analyse each day’s games on 5’s streaming service.
