Boca Juniors vs Benfica Predictions

• Benfica have started the scoring in 11 of their last 13 fixtures
• Both teams have scored in each of Benfica’s last five matches
• Benfica are unbeaten in 13 matches after 90 minutes

Benfica primed to show their class

Benfica had a disappointing end to the season, losing out to Sporting in the title race and the Portuguese cup final, but they can get back on the victory trail in their Club World Cup opener with Group C rivals Boca Juniors.

Bundesliga champions Bayern are favourites to top the section but it is imperative that fellow European outfit Benfica get off to a strong start and this appears to provide an ideal opportunity.

Boca Juniors are in a whirlwind as they prepare for their first Club World Cup appearance since 2007. The Argentinian outfit haven’t won any of their last four matches and they only appointed new coach Miguel Angel Russo at the start of June, so he hasn’t had long to work with his players.

New-look Boca may take time to find their stride

Benfica would have been frustrated by the way their domestic campaign ended but they are unbeaten in 13 matches in 90 minutes and they showed their talent in the Champions League, making the last 16 having recorded group-stage wins over Atletico Madrid, Monaco and Juventus.

The Eagles have been coming quickly out the block, opening the scoring in 11 of their last 13 fixtures, and in Greek forward Vangelis Pavlidis they have a potent attacking weapon.

So the Portuguese outfit can prevail and, with both teams having scored in each of their last five matches, a 2-1 win appeals from a correct-score perspective.