Benfica battle back to draw with Boca | OneFootball

Buenos Aires-born Nicolás Otamendi secured a crucial draw for Benfica in the opening round of the Club World Cup against Boca Juniors.

Despite a huge travelling Argentinian contingent in the stands, Benfica started the better of the two sides with Renato Sanches and Bruma very close to scoring. However, it was Boca who ended up taking a two-goal lead.

Lautaro Blanco was sensational on the left flank for Boca delivering a precise cross to Miguel Merentiel, who was in the right spot to open the scoring.

Soon after Boca got a corner that resulted in Rodrigo Battaglia – who played for Benfica's city rivals Sporting – finishing past Anatoliy Trubin.

The Portuguese team reduced the deficit just before the break from the penalty psot when Otamendi was brought down inside the box by Carlos Palacios. Ander Herrera, who was subbed off in the 20th minute received a red card from the bench in his protest to the decision.

Another former Manchester United man Ángel Di María, who will return to Argentina after this tournament is finished, then converted from the spot.

Benfica's search for an equaliser should have become more difficult when half-time substitute Andrea Belotti was sent off in the 72nd minute.

But Bruno Lage's side seemed to improve after being reduced to 10 men and levelled the score in the 84th minute thanks to the veteran Otamendi who finished at the near post from Orkun Kökçü's outswinging corner.

Boca were then reduced to 10 men in the final minutes of the game when Nicolás Figal received a straight red card but Benfica were unable to clinch a late winner with the score finishing 2-2.