The 3️⃣ key players from Boca’s Club World Cup debut | OneFootball

Boca Juniors had an auspicious debut in the 2025 Club World Cup, although it was left with a bitter taste after drawing with Benfica after being 2-0 up.

But Xeneize played a very good game and had very high performances, in addition to an intensity and energy that allow them to be hopeful about their participation in this international tournament.

Miguel Ángel Russo had a new debut at the helm of Boca Juniors, and some of his decisions already had an important weight in the team.

These are the 3️⃣ protagonists of Boca's debut in the Club World Cup.

Miguel Merentiel

📸 Megan Briggs - 2025 Getty Images

The Uruguayan striker scored the first goal, anticipating a low cross on the first post. But he was also very plugged in, always demanding Benfica's defense, connecting with the team and lifting it with his attitude and commitment.

His departure had generated concern, after a blow he suffered in the second half, but it was confirmed that it was just a cramp in both calves, which shows the effort he had made on a hot and humid afternoon.

Rodrigo Battaglia

📸 PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA - AFP or licensors

Miguel Ángel Russo's first important decision was to move Rodrigo Battaglia, who with Fernando Gago usually played as a defender, to the middle of the field to play as a five. He was the best in Boca's midfield and played perhaps his best game since he arrived at the club, at the level he had shown at Atlético Mineiro.

Nicolás Otamendi

📸 Megan Briggs - 2025 Getty Images

Unfortunately for the Xeneize people, the Argentine national team player became a hero near the end (both goals against Boca were Argentine). Due to his well-known 'Millonaria' affiliation, he was the main target of the Boca fans present in Miami, and also made several of Boca's own players angry. The truth is that Otamendi scored a great goal to rescue his team when they were down to ten men, and that's why he is the captain of the Portuguese team.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

📸 Dan Mullan - 2025 Getty Images