It appears very likely that Ander Herrera and Nicolás Figal will not feature again in the Club World Cup. Both Boca Juniors players have been suspended for four matches following their red cards against Benfica. Andrea Belotti (Benfica) has also received his punishment.
The clash between Argentine giants Boca Juniors and Portuguese powerhouse Benfica ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw, but the football itself quickly took a backseat as the match spiraled into one of the most chaotic and ill-tempered encounters in recent Club World Cup history.
What should have been a showcase of South American grit and European tactical discipline turned into a battlefield riddled with fouls, confrontations, and disciplinary meltdowns that have since dominated headlines.
While both teams came into the match with high expectations and a reputation for passionate support, the game itself will be remembered more for its flashpoints than its football. Early on, Boca appeared organized and aggressive, pressing high and trying to disrupt Benfica’s rhythm. However, it didn’t take long for tempers to rise. A series of questionable challenges and physical duels ignited tensions that never truly settled for the rest of the match.
The situation took an unexpected turn in the first half when veteran midfielder Ander Herrera, who had already been forced to leave the pitch due to an apparent muscle injury just 20 minutes in, received a straight red card while on the bench. According to match officials, the former Manchester United player directed foul and disrespectful language at the fourth official after a contentious refereeing decision an act that FIFA has since deemed “unacceptable conduct by a substitute player.”
That incident set the tone for what became an increasingly volatile second half. The referee was forced to issue multiple yellow cards as both teams continued to commit tactical fouls and engage in constant verbal exchanges. The boiling point came in the final minutes of the match when Boca defender Nicolás Figal was shown a red card for violent conduct after an altercation with Benfica striker Andrea Belotti. Moments later, Belotti himself was also sent off, reportedly for retaliating in the same incident.
With the dust still settling, FIFA’s disciplinary committee acted swiftly. Both Herrera and Figal have been handed four-match suspensions, meaning they will be unavailable for the remainder of the group stage and even the quarterfinals assuming Boca Juniors qualify. Their earliest possible return would be in the semi-finals, should their team progress that far, a scenario that now looks much more difficult given their absence and the emotional toll the match has taken on the squad.
Andrea Belotti’s punishment was somewhat less severe, though still significant. The Italian international has been suspended for two matches, which means he will miss the remainder of the group stage for Benfica. However, unlike Boca’s situation, Benfica’s depth and current form suggest they have a better chance of advancing, potentially allowing Belotti to return in the later stages of the tournament.
This latest round of suspensions has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. Some argue that FIFA was right to take a firm stance, citing the need to maintain discipline and protect the image of the competition. Others believe the officiating lacked the consistency and authority needed to control the match from the outset, allowing it to unravel into a frenzy of late-game chaos.
Critics also point to the lack of intervention from team benches and captains, who are typically expected to help manage tensions on the pitch. In this match, however, emotions ran unchecked, and even experienced players were unable to keep their composure.
Beyond the disciplinary consequences, the match leaves both clubs facing crucial challenges. Boca Juniors now find themselves without two key players for most of the tournament. Figal, a leader in defense, and Herrera, an experienced midfielder, both bring vital experience and leadership that will be sorely missed. Boca’s manager must now quickly reshuffle his lineup and manage a demoralized squad that not only dropped two points in the group stage but also faces internal and external scrutiny.
Benfica, meanwhile, will need to compensate for Belotti’s absence up front. The striker’s physical presence and ability to hold up play are key elements of their attack, and his loss could impact the team’s chemistry in crucial matches to come. However, with the likes of Gonçalo Ramos and Rafa Silva still available, the Portuguese side is expected to cope more comfortably with the setback.
Ultimately, while the 2-2 scoreline left the group wide open, the events of the match may have longer-lasting implications. FIFA’s punishments send a clear message about behavior and sportsmanship at the Club World Cup a tournament that brings together not only the champions of each continent, but also vastly different styles, mentalities, and expectations.
For Boca Juniors and Benfica, the battle on the scoreboard may be over, but the aftermath is far from settled. The road ahead will test not only their tactical prowess but also their discipline, unity, and resilience under pressure.
