Marchesín and Merentiel Slam Referee’s Decisions in Boca Juniors vs Benfica Match

At Hard Rock Stadium, Agustín Marchesín and Miguel Merentiel of Boca Juniors expressed their disappointment with referee César Ramos’s decisions in the Club World Cup match that ended in a 2-2 draw against Benfica.

Boca Juniors initially led 2-0 through goals from Merentiel and Rodrigo Battaglia — before the referee awarded a controversial penalty to Benfica, successfully converted by Ángel Di María.

“I don’t know what the referee saw. That penalty decision was shameful in a game like this,” stated Marchesín.

“The penalty affected the flow of the game. From my perspective, it wasn’t a foul,” added Merentiel.

Tensions escalated in the second half when Andrea Belotti from Benfica and Jorge Figal from Boca Juniors received red cards. The stadium, packed with 55,274 spectators, was dominated by Boca Juniors supporters in their distinctive yellow and blue colors.

Di María acknowledged the pressure from Argentine supporters — but remained professional in defending his team. Boca Juniors will return to action against Bayern Munich at the same venue in three days.