Bayern Munich dominated possession for much of the first half and created numerous chances to extend their lead.
Bayern Munich sealed their place in the knockout stages of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Boca Juniors at the Hard Rock Stadium on Friday night. Goals from Harry Kane and Michael Olise ensured the German giants made it two wins from two in Group C, confirming their qualification to the Round of 16 with a game to spare.
Kane opened the scoring early in the 18th minute as he showcased his clinical finishing to notch his first goal of the tournament. The goal came after Luis Advíncula misjudged Konrad Laimer’s cross, allowing Kane to pounce and finish calmly from close range.
Bayern dominated possession for much of the first half and created numerous chances to extend their lead. Kingsley Coman missed a golden opportunity to double the advantage shortly after. Both Kane and Olise saw their free-kicks saved as the first half ended with just a one-goal lead.
Boca grew into the game in the second half, forcing Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer into action through Kevin Zenon. Manager Vincent Kompany reacted with a flurry of substitutions in the 55th minute, but Boca still managed to found the equalizer.
Miguel Merentiel, already enjoying a standout tournament, produced a stunning solo goal in the 66th minute. He dispossessed Michael Olise in midfield and danced past both Jonathan Tah and Josip Stanisic before rifling the ball past Neuer to make it 1-1. The Argentine side appeared poised to snatch a valuable point and extend South America’s unbeaten record at the tournament.
However, Bayern’s quality prevailed in the final stages. In the 84th minute, Harry Kane turned provider as he layed off a clever ball inside the box to Olise. The French winger made no mistake, curling a first-time strike into the bottom corner to restore Bayern’s lead.
There was a moment of concern for Bayern when Jamal Musiala, who had scored a hat-trick against Auckland City, limped off injured just 25 minutes after coming on.
The win allows Bayern to rest key players in their final group stage clash against second-placed Benfica on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Boca Juniors, who now face Group C minnows Auckland City, must hope for a Bayern win to have any chance of progressing.
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