Miami, June 21
Bayern Munich rekindled their European pride at the Club World Cup with a gritty 2-1 win over Boca Juniors on Friday, booking their place in the last 16 after a tense and fiery clash.
In front of a passionate crowd dominated by Boca supporters - who transformed the Hard Rock Stadium into a mini “Bombonera” - the Argentine side fought tooth and nail. But Bayern's determination prevailed late in the game.
Harry Kane opened the scoring for the German champions early in the first half, only for Boca to hit back through Miguel Merentiel. With the game hanging in the balance, Michael Olise struck a late winner to send Bayern to the top of Group C with six points, two clear of Benfica. Boca, with just one point, remain in the hunt and will face Auckland City in their final group game, while Bayern take on Benfica.
The victory was a timely boost for European clubs, who have recently struggled in the tournament, with Porto, PSG, and Chelsea all tasting defeat.
The match crackled with intensity, especially in the second half, as Boca pressed high and disrupted Bayern’s rhythm with physical, high-tempo football.