Bayern Secures Knockout Spot After Hard-Fought Win Over Boca Juniors
Bayern Munich have advanced to the knockout stages of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after a challenging 2-1 victory against Boca Juniors. Michael Olise proved the late hero, scoring the decisive goal for the German champions on Friday night, June 20, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The win secures Bayern’s passage to the round of 16 with a game still left to play in Group C.
The match, played in a “hostile environment” fueled by Boca’s passionate fanbase and tough “hot weather” conditions, was a significant test for Vincent Kompany’s side, especially following their dominant 10-0 opening win.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
Bayern quickly took control, showcasing their preferred style of possession dominance, holding 72.5% of the ball. Despite having an early Michael Olise goal disallowed by VAR, they took a deserved lead in the 18th minute through striker Harry Kane. The forward demonstrated his sharp instinct, reacting swiftly to finish clinically and register his first goal of the tournament.
Bayern pressed for a second, creating “a slew of chances,” including a notable miss from Kingsley Coman and efforts from free kicks. However, they couldn’t extend their advantage before the break, despite statistics favoring them heavily (11 shots to Boca’s 6, 6 corners to 1).
Boca Juniors, known for their fighting spirit and effective transition play, improved in the second half. They capitalized in the 66th minute when Miguel Merentiel scored a “brilliant solo goal.” The strike, Merentiel’s second of the tournament, notably came after Olise was dispossessed in Bayern’s half, bringing Boca level and creating a tense finish.
Bayern responded, and after a period of substitutions aimed at regaining control, Michael Olise found redemption. In the 84th minute, the winger navigated a crowded penalty area before curling his shot home, marking his 20th goal for Bayern and sealing the crucial 2-1 victory in front of 63,587 spectators.
Player and Coach Reactions
Post-match, Harry Kane acknowledged the difficulty of the encounter. “We knew it wasn’t going to be easy… it was tough,” he stated. He emphasized the tournament’s prestige, calling it “a massive tournament” featuring the world’s best teams, adding, “We just have to compete to our highest level and we should be able to beat most teams.” Kane’s performance earned him the “Superior Player of the Match” award.
For Boca Juniors coach Miguel Angel Russo, the loss complicated his team’s hopes. “We have to find a way (to advance),” he remarked, admitting a draw “would’ve been great.” Boca’s path to the knockout stages is now slim, requiring them to “rout Auckland City” in their final group game and hope Benfica lose to Bayern on the same day. Russo expressed cautious optimism, stating he “would not be surprised” if his side found a way.
Group Standings and Path Forward
The result solidifies Bayern Munich’s position atop Group C with a perfect 6 points from two matches and a commanding +11 goal difference, securing their spot in the Round of 16 as group winners. Benfica sits second with 4 points, followed by Boca Juniors with 1 point (-1 goal difference), and Auckland City trailing with 0 points (-16 goal difference). Bayern will face Benfica in their final group game, needing just a draw to confirm their status as group winners.
Injury Setback for Musiala
The victory was slightly marred by an injury to promising German midfielder Jamal Musiala. The 22-year-old, who had recently returned from a hamstring tear suffered during the Bundesliga season, entered the game as a substitute but was forced off just 25 minutes later due to a new injury. Thomas Müller replaced him in the 82nd minute, with the exact nature of Musiala’s injury not immediately known.
The match at Hard Rock Stadium, a venue also set to host games in the 2026 World Cup, provided a demanding environment for both teams, highlighting the global nature and intensity of the expanded Club World Cup format.
