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Boca lets slip a victory that was in the bag against Benfica and complicates its path in the Club World Cup

What looked like a party for Boca Juniors ended up turning into a horror film, written and directed by two old acquaintances of the club: Ángel Di María and Nicolás Otamendi. The Xeneize were comfortably winning 2-0 in their Club World Cup debut, but Benfica reacted in time and spoiled the Argentines' night with a dramatic comeback that left the match in a draw and many questions unanswered.

Martínez's team had started strongly. In just 25 minutes, they were already ahead with goals from Miguel Merentiel and Rodrigo Battaglia, both taking advantage of childish mistakes by the Portuguese defence. Boca looked solid, controlling the pace and without suffering too much. But everything changed with two key moments that completely dismantled the South American side.

First, Ander Herrera left the field injured before the 20th minute, and although it seemed minor, his presence would end up being decisive... but for another reason. Just before half-time, VAR awarded a penalty against Otamendi after a play inside the area. While Di María was preparing to take the penalty, Herrera, already on the bench, protested the decision angrily and was sent off. Yes, sent off without even being on the field. Chaos ensued.

Di María, with the calm of a veteran seasoned in a thousand battles, converted the penalty and put Benfica back in the game just before heading into the dressing room. A total psychological goal.

In the second half, Boca tried to regain control. Benfica wasn't showing much football, and Álvaro Carreras — the young Spaniard in Real Madrid's orbit — couldn't break through or make a difference from the wing. Everything seemed under control, until another bucket of cold water was thrown on the situation: Belotti, who had come on in the second half, was sent off after a VAR review for a hard tackle on Costa. A straight red card and another change of script.

With an extra man, Benfica began to push forward with more heart than skill. And in the 83rd minute, Otamendi reappeared: a relentless header from a corner kick and a tie on the scoreboard. Boca's defence, which had been the star of the first half by anticipating the play, this time fell victim to a lack of reaction.

The debacle was complete five minutes later. Figal, overwhelmed by the tension of the moment, threw himself at Florentino and the referee did not hesitate: straight red card. In a matter of minutes, Boca had gone from having the game in the bag to being down to nine players and trembling for the result.

In the end, the 2-2 draw left completely opposite feelings. Benfica celebrated as if they had won, while Boca left chewing on their anger, knowing that they had let two points slip away that could be key in a group that still has Bayern — who already beat Auckland City 10-0 — as a direct rival.

Now, the Xeneize will have to fight for qualification to the round of 16 against the Bavarian team, with several players suspended and the pressure not to fail. What seemed like an ideal start turned into a nightmare.