It’s been nearly 30 years since Benfica and Boca Juniors last faced off on a football pitch. Their last meeting was on August 5, 1995, at Giants Stadium in New Jersey. Before that, these two giants of European and South American football clashed four times between the 1960s and 1990s. Those games were always intense, with talented players and memorable moments. Stars like Eusébio and Caniggia, Coluna and Rattin, made these matches unforgettable. Each game ended 1-1 after 90 minutes.
In 1967, Benfica and Boca Juniors played twice in the United States. The first game was in San Francisco. Benfica brought their A-team, with Eusébio, Coluna, and António Simões. Boca Juniors had talented players like Rattin and Roma. Rojas scored first for Boca at 79 minutes, but Eusébio tied the game at 84 minutes with a goal that still resonates. The game was physically tough, with Rattin committing several fouls on Eusébio. But Eusébio persevered and shone.
Three days later, the two teams tied again. Madurga scored for Boca at 38 minutes, but Eusébio tied the game right after halftime. The atmosphere was calmer, but the competition remained fierce. Both teams proved they were among the best.
A year later, they met again in the prestigious South American Pentagonal Tournament at the Bombonera stadium. The game was marked by two disputed penalties. Eusébio played only 27 minutes, still recovering from knee surgery, and was substituted by Calado. Boca took the lead at 72 minutes, but Jacinto tied the game six minutes later, also on a penalty.
Twenty-seven years passed before they met again. This time, Benfica had new stars like Preud’homme, Paulo Bento, and Valdo. Valdo scored an early penalty, but Medero tied the game. Hassan was sent off at 40 minutes. The game ended 1-1, and the winner was decided by penalties. Boca won 3-2. The game wasn’t as technically brilliant as their previous meetings, but the rivalry and emotion were still palpable.
This Monday, Benfica and Boca Juniors will play each other in a new competition, one that’s never been seen in football before.
Past Meetings
- 1967: Benfica 1-1 Boca Juniors (San Francisco)
- 1967: Benfica 1-1 Boca Juniors (United States)
- 1968: Benfica 1-1 Boca Juniors (Bombonera stadium)
- 1995: Benfica 1-1 Boca Juniors (Giants Stadium, New Jersey)
The stage is set for a new chapter in this storied rivalry. Will Benfica or Boca Juniors come out on top? Only time will tell.