Bayern Munich vs Boca Juniors predictions: Argentines can show more fight
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- Boca conceded just 0.42 Expected Goals from open play against Benfica
- The Argentine side have not lost by more than one goal across their last eight matches
- Recommended bet: Boca Juniors +2 handicap
Boca Juniors played their part in the standout game of the Club World Cup so far, drawing 2-2 with Benfica in a fiery encounter.
Miguel Angel Russo’s side made a quick impression by racing into a 2-0 lead, before Argentine internationals Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi drew the Eagles level.
Boca should carry that intensity into this Group C clash with a Bayern side fresh from a 10-0 hammering of Auckland City. While the Germans were the big winners of the tournament so far, there is reason to believe that this will be a much sterner test.
Team news
Ander Herrera and Nicolas Figal were both sent off for Boca Juniors in their first game, so they will be suspended for this clash in Miami. Edinson Cavani faces a race to be fit after missing their opener.
Bayern are without Alphonso Davies, Hiroki Ito, and Min-Jae Kim. Jamal Musiala is pushing for a recall to the starting lineup after scoring a hat-trick off the bench last time out.
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The stats
Boca made 34 clearances against Benfica, while winning the majority of the aerial duels.
Bayern won by two clear goals in only five of their 14 Champions League games during 2024-25.
South American sides have made a strong start to the tournament, with all six avoiding defeat in their opening matches.
Bayern’s 10-0 win over Auckland City saw them record 31 shots and 4.28 xG.
Boca held Benfica to only eight shots, with the pair finishing level in terms of big chances with two apiece.
Bayern profited from winning possession high up the pitch against Auckland, something Boca avoided in their opener.
Prediction
With Bayern starting with a 10-0 win, it is little surprise that they are heavy favourites for their second game. However, there is a real shift in intensity coming after their clash with a part-time side.
Boca Juniors put in a strong defensive display in their 2-2 draw with Benfica. The Portuguese side scored from a penalty and a corner, but the Argentines conceded only 0.42 Expected Goals from open play.
They did that by being good at the basics, winning battles in the air and making clearances. Compare that to Bayern’s opener, where their press saw Auckland City lose possession in their own third of the pitch on a tournament-high 13 occasions.
Boca should take much better care of the ball in their own defensive third and, as a result, will make Bayern work much harder when it comes to creating chances.
South American sides have proven themselves early on at this tournament, so Boca can keep this close. Bayern did not blow teams away that frequently in Europe, so Boca appeal with a +2 handicap.
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