Boca Juniors Takes the First Step in the Club World Cup | Faces Portugal’s Benfica in Group C Opening Match

Boca Juniors will finally debut in the Club World Cup against Benfica from Portugal, which will also mark the beginning of Miguel Russo’s third tenure at the club. The match, part of Group C, will take place this Monday at 7 PM and will be a challenging start against the Portuguese team led by Nicolás Otamendi and Angel Di María.

In the days leading up to the match, Russo’s team received two significant updates: the temporary authorization of defender Ayrton Costa and the potential inclusion of Malcom Braida as a starter, despite him having only two training sessions with the squad. Braida, who was coached by Russo at San Lorenzo, could strengthen the left wing in a role that combines coverage and defensive solidity.

The coaching staff is evaluating different formations, including a flexible 4-4-2 with Alan Velasco as a left midfielder, although his lack of defensive tracking might open the door for Braida’s inclusion. If Braida starts, the team would benefit from enhanced containment on the flanks, a key factor against the opponent’s offensive strength.

Other uncertainties surround the right back position, with doubts about Luis Advíncula’s physical condition, and the central midfield, where Williams Alarcón and Milton Delgado are emerging as a double pivot, sidelining the Spanish player Ander Herrera.

In attack, Uruguayan Miguel Merentiel has his spot secured, while Carlos Palacios and Milton Giménez are competing for the second forward position.

The Boca coach spoke at the official press conference, emphasizing that he hopes his team will rise to the occasion of what Boca represents. “Being up to the challenge means competing, doing things right, and trying to secure the win as something essential, especially on the day of our first match,” he said in his introduction.

“We’ve been working very well for two weeks, and the idea is to maintain a line and consistent order, deciphering how the opponent plays,” he mentioned. Regarding the final details of the preparation, Russo added: “We discussed what we want; I really liked the last training session because the players understood the way I want to play.”

On the topic of Edinson Cavani, the coach stated that he is “day by day” and did not venture to predict his progress. “We are discussing it, observing, and we will see what decision we make,” he informed.

Finally, regarding the tremendous defeat of the powerful Bayern Munich (10-0 against Auckland City), the top seed in Boca’s group, the former San Lorenzo coach remarked: “Without belittling anyone, Bayern’s opponent is from a country that is not fully professional. Still, we have to play the matches.”

Additionally, there will be two matches in Group D, led by Chelsea, who will debut against Los Angeles FC, which recently defeated America from Mexico to qualify for the World Cup; and Flamengo will have its first match against Espérance from Tunisia.