Boca's World Cup XI Takes Shape! Marchesín & Merentiel Lead the Way for Benfica Clash!

Boca Juniors fans and passionate soccer enthusiasts worldwide! The best-kept secret of Diego Martínez, Boca Juniors' head coach, seems to have been revealed. The probable starting lineup for the Xeneizes' anticipated 2025 Club World Cup debut against powerful Benfica this Monday, June 16, is now taking shape. With key names confirmed, Boca will take the field with a balanced eleven, aiming to impose its mystique and surprise the European giant.

Boca's coach has been working intensely on tactical details for this crucial encounter. The selection of each player in the starting XI responds to a strategy designed to counteract Benfica's strengths and exploit their potential weaknesses. The roster being discussed in recent hours shows a mix of experience and youth, with skilled ball-players and a solid backline.

Solidity and Speed on the Wings

Boca Juniors' probable lineup for their Club World Cup debut is as follows:

• Agustín Marchesín in goal.
• In defense: Luis Advíncula at right-back, Nicolás Figal and Ayrton Costa as center-backs, and Lautaro Blanco at left-back.
• In midfield: Kevin Zenón and Alan Velasco on the wings, with Ander Herrera and Rodrigo Battaglia as the central midfield pivot.
• Upfront: Carlos Palacios and Miguel Merentiel as the offensive references.

This alignment suggests several tactical keys that Diego Martínez will seek to implement:

• Experience in Goal: The presence of Agustín Marchesín between the posts provides security, leadership, and extensive knowledge of elite football, vital against an opponent like Benfica.
• Attacking Fullbacks: With Luis Advíncula and Lautaro Blanco, Boca will have fullbacks capable of pushing forward and creating imbalance on the wings.
• Midfield Balance: The Herrera-Battaglia duo will provide a combination of experience, ball recovery, and good passing, fundamental for controlling the midfield and distributing play.
• Creativity on the Wings: Kevin Zenón and Alan Velasco will be responsible for creating and providing verticality from the flanks, using their dribbling skills and assisting abilities.
• Flexible Two-Striker System: The partnership between Carlos Palacios and Miguel Merentiel will allow for mobility in attack, seeking runs, quick combinations, and, of course, finishing opportunities. Both are goal-scoring players with good link-up play.

An XI Designed to Contain and Strike

The selection of these eleven names indicates that Boca will aim to be a compact and organized team in defense, but with the ability to launch quick and effective attacks. The speed of their wingers and the power of their forwards will be key tools to try and breach Benfica's defense.

• Solid Defensive Block: The back four, with Figal and Costa as center-backs, will seek to nullify Benfica's attacks and win individual duels, especially against figures like Ángel Di María.
• Quick Transitions: Boca will likely opt to win the ball back in their own half and launch rapid transitions to surprise the Portuguese defense, utilizing the speed of Zenón, Velasco, Palacios, and Merentiel.
• Controlling the Tempo: The midfield battle will be crucial. Herrera and Battaglia will have the task of winning possession and dictating the pace of the game, preventing Benfica from imposing their style.

This Club World Cup debut is a huge challenge for Boca Juniors, but the probable lineup that has emerged shows a team with the arguments to compete. Facing a club with Benfica's history and star power is a litmus test, and the XI chosen by Diego Martínez reflects Boca's intention not just to participate, but to be a protagonist from the first minute.

The world's eyes will be on the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Los Angeles, where Boca Juniors will take its first step in pursuit of the coveted world title. The excitement is palpable, and with this probable lineup, the Xeneizes hope to start their journey on the right foot.