📊 What the stats say from Bayern's narrow CWC win over Boca | OneFootball

Bayern Munich and Boca Juniors clashed in a gripping FIFA Club World Cup Group C encounter, with Vincent Kompany's men edging out the iconic Argentine club with a 2‑1 win.

Goals from Harry Kane (18') and Michael Olise (84') on either side of a potential goal of the tournament effort from Miguel Merentiel sealed all three points on the night.

Despite the favourable scoreline for the Bundesliga behemoth, a deeper dive into the underlying data reveals both dominance as well as unexpected resistance.

Here's what the stats say from the entertaining night in South Florida.

Expected Goals Imbalance - Bayern’s underlying numbers showcased their attacking potency. With an xG hitting 4.57 compared to a mere 0.67 from Boca, the right club won simply by the data.

Such a large xG gap reflects the imbalance in chance creation: Bayern crafted high-quality opportunities throughout, whereas Boca relied on a moment of individual brilliance from Miguel Merentiel to break through in a moment indicative of the overall tactical approach from Miguel Ángel Russo. It would ultimately not be enough to snuff out Kompany's men.

Possession and Passing - The Bavarians controlled the midfield with a commanding 72.6 % possession share—a testament to the tactical approach and ball dominance that we typically see from them, and why Russo was happy to try to hit them on the break.

Bayern also piled up over 600 total passes while completing 93% compared to Boca's 73% and a paltry 27.4 % possession. While most clubs have to revert to being direct against Bayern, Boca lacked creativity when it mattered.

Shots and Shots on Target - Bayern attempted 11 shots, with 4 finding the target. Boca registered 6 shots, 3 on target. This relatively respectable efficiency from Boca reflects their opportunistic counter‑attacks—half of their shots were on frame, including the equaliser by Merentiel.

Meanwhile, Bayern’s ratio (36 % on target) hints at less composure in front of goal than their xG would suggest, and when added to their six big chances on the night, they fell short of their usual goalscoring ways.

The stats reveal a tale of two halves for Boca Juniors: a disciplined, reactive performance, grounded in efficiency and resilience. Bayern, by contrast, delivered midfield dominance and creative output, yet didn’t translate dominance into a high-scoring display, highlighted by five big chances missed on the night.

Bayern's expected goals and possession supremacy may have secured three points, but if they hope to go deeper into the tournament and possibly come out at the other end as overall winners, converting chances clinically will be key.

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