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Turkish international Orkun Kokcu provided a crucial assist from a corner in the 84th minute as Benfica came from behind to draw 2–2 with Boca Juniors in their FIFA Club World Cup Group C opener at Hard Rock Stadium. Fellow Türkiye national Kerem Akturkoglu also featured off the bench for the Portuguese side.
The match began with early drama as Boca’s experienced midfielder Ander Herrera was forced off with an injury in the 20th minute, replaced by Belmonte. Later in the half, Herrera was shown a red card by Mexican referee Cesar Ramos for protesting from the sidelines in the 45th minute.
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Boca started strong, taking the lead in the 21st minute through Merentiel after a left-wing move led by Blanco. Just six minutes later, Battaglia made it 2–0 with a powerful header.
Benfica responded before halftime. Following a VAR review of a foul on Otamendi by Palacios, the referee awarded a penalty. Angel Di Maria converted from the spot in first-half stoppage time, cutting the deficit to 2–1.
Kerem Akturkoglu and Orkun Kokcu were introduced in the 61st minute. The match grew increasingly physical, and in the 72nd minute, Boca’s Andrea Belotti received a red card after a VAR review for a dangerous challenge.
Benfica leveled the score in the 84th minute. Kokcu delivered a precise corner kick to the near post, where Otamendi rose to head in the equalizer.
Boca finished the match with nine men after Nicolas Figal was sent off for a harsh foul on Florentino in the 88th minute.
No further goals were scored, and both sides took one point from an intense, hard-fought encounter.
Boca Juniors will next face Bayern Munich on June 21, while Benfica meets Auckland City.
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