FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Bayern Munich booked their place in the Club World Cup 2025 knockout stage with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Boca Juniors on Friday night at Miami Gardens.
A late strike from Michael Olise in the 84th minute proved to be the decider as the reigning Bundesliga champions joined Brazilian sides Botafogo and Flamengo in the next round.
Olise found the back of the net after a chaotic sequence inside the Boca box. Harry Kane, surrounded by defenders, managed to recover the ball and lay it off to Olise, who unleashed a powerful low drive into the bottom-left corner to seal the win for Bayern.
Bayern had earlier taken the lead through Kane in the first half. The goal was the product of a slick attacking move: Konrad Laimer sent in a sharp pass into the box, where Kingsley Coman calmly cushioned it for Kane. Despite a heavy first touch, the English striker recovered and smashed a 12-yard effort past the Boca keeper.
Boca Juniors, however, mounted a strong response in the second half and equalized in the 66th minute. Alan Velasco played a perfectly weighted ball from midfield into space, which Miguel Merentiel chased down. The forward outpaced Jonathan Tah, evaded Josip Stanisic with a smart move, and sent a clinical shot past Manuel Neuer to make it 1-1.
Despite Boca’s spirited performance, Bayern held their composure and regained the lead late on. With the win, the German giants now sit atop Group C with 6 points from two matches. Their opening game had seen them demolish Auckland City 10-0, but Boca offered a much sterner test.
Boca Juniors (0-1-1, 1 point) aren’t out of the running yet. They must defeat Auckland City decisively in their final group match in Nashville, while also hoping Bayern overcome Benfica in their final game in Charlotte.
With this victory, Bayern join Botafogo and Flamengo as the early qualifiers for the knockout stage of the expanded Club World Cup tournament, underscoring their title ambitions on the global stage.