FIFA Club World Cup 2025 | Group C: Bayern Munich vs Boca Juniors | Preview and Prediction
This Group C encounter of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be played between Bavarian giants Bayern Munich and Argentine outfit Boca Juniors on June 21 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Here are our preview and prediction for the game.
FIFA Club World Cup 2025 | Group C: FC Bayern Munich vs CA Boca Juniors | 06:30 IST, June 21
Bayern Munich announced themselves at the Club World Cup with a 10–0 annihilation of amateur Kiwi outfit Auckland City. Kingsley Coman opened the scoring from a header in the sixth minute after new signing Jonathan Tah provided him with a cushioned header in the box. Sacha Boey then doubled the lead in the 18th minute with a fine finish into the far corner. Michael Olise tapped in the third in the 20th minute at the far post after Harry Kane’s initial shot had been blocked. A minute later, Coman completed his brace with a strike into the far corner. Veteran Thomas Müller added a fifth before half-time, with Olise completing his brace with a curler into the top corner in first-half stoppage time.
If six goals weren’t enough, Auckland City had more humiliation coming their way in the second half. Bayern’s star midfielder Jamal Musiala completed a hat-trick — 67’, 73’ (P), 84’ — in the second half to make it nine, before Müller scored his second in the 89th minute to complete the drubbing.
While Auckland City players would have been star-struck playing against one of the best clubs in the world, it was also a humbling reminder that their level is far off the best in the business.
Bayern’s next opponents, Boca Juniors, had a different story playing against Benfica. It was a fiercely competitive game that ended in three red cards, with both teams being reduced to ten men. Ander Herrera on the Boca bench received a red card in the 45th minute for a scuffle with a security guard.
Boca Juniors’ main man Miguel Merentiel opened the scoring with a sublime finish in the 21st minute. Six minutes later, Rodrigo Battaglia doubled their advantage with a thumping header at the far post as the Argentine team looked to dominate the game. However, Benfica were awarded a penalty for a foul on Nicolás Otamendi, which was converted by Ángel Di María to halve the deficit.
Drama ensued in the second half, with Benfica player Andrea Belotti sent off for a dangerous high-boot tackle in the 72nd minute. However, the Portuguese side kept attacking and Otamendi drew them level with a well-placed header in the 84th minute. Boca Juniors’ chances of grabbing a late winner were dashed when Jorge Figal was sent off for a dangerous swipe in the 88th minute. The game ended in a 2–2 draw.
Looking at the two teams and their form, Bayern Munich clearly have the advantage with better players in their squad. However, they need to be wary of the attacking threat that Boca Juniors possess. It could be another feisty encounter, as we back the Bavarian giants to come out on top and ensure qualification to the Round of 16.
Score Prediction: Bayern Munich 3–1 Boca Juniors
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida