June 16, 2025
2 Minute Read
Boca Juniors vs Benfica Prediction & Betting Tips
Monday | 22:00 UTC | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami | Club World Cup Group C
A clash of continents and former kings. Boca Juniors and Benfica kick off their 2025 Club World Cup campaigns in Miami tonight in a fixture that pits South American grit against European class.
Boca vs Benfica Prediction
Both clubs bring pedigree, passion, and pressure. Boca have been inconsistent at home but showed promise in the Torneo Apertura before falling to Independiente in the quarters, prompting a third managerial return for Miguel Ángel Russo.
Benfica arrive following a second-place finish in Portugal and a League Cup win but still stung by a last-16 Champions League exit. They’ll view this as a chance for redemption, and with Bayern Munich looming in Group C, neither side can afford a slow start.
Boca vs Benfica Prediction & Odds
Benfica are 1.57 favourites with BoyleSports and rightly so given the strength of the Portuguese league. Boca are 5.60 outsiders, with the draw priced at 3.85.
Boca vs Benfica Betting Tips
✅ Vangelis Pavlidis Anytime Scorer – 2.20
✅ Benfica Win + Over 2.5 Goals – 2.50
✅ Rodrigo Battaglia to be Carded – 3.00
Benfica’s Vangelis Pavlidis is in lethal form, hitting 7 in 12 Champions League games. He’ll be Benfica’s biggest threat and is well worth backing for an anytime strike at 2.20.
Veteran Uruguayan forward Miguel Merentiel has 6 goals this campaign for Boca and is their best bet at 4.00, but it’s Benfica who look more stable overall. Russo’s late return might steady the ship, but preparation matters, and the Eagles look ready.
One for the card-watchers: Rodrigo Battaglia has picked up 4 yellows in 6. At 3.00 to go in the book, he’s a live runner for a punt.
Boca vs Benfica Predicted Lineups
Boca Juniors: Marchesin; Blondel, Battaglia, Rojo, Blanco; Belmonte, Delgago, Zenon; Merentiel, Cavani, Palacios
Benfica: Trubin; Dahl, Otamendi, A Silva, Aursnes; Barrerio, Florentino, Kokcu; Akturkoglu, Schjelderup, Pavlidis
Boca are without Sergio Romero, Marco Pellegrino, and Ayrton Costa (visa denial). Marcos Rojo is expected to start amid transfer rumours. Benfica also miss Amdouni, Manu, and Alexander Bah.
Final Thoughts
South American sides are renowned for their tenacity, but Benfica’s structure and quality give them the edge here. Boca have changed managers, lost key defenders, and look vulnerable. Backing Benfica with goals looks the bet.
Odds correct at time of writing.
