Michael Olise has fired FC Bayern into the round of 16. © APA/afp / PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA

Against Boca Juniors: Olise goal lets Bayern celebrate late

FC Bayern Munich has reached the first milestone in the Club World Cup after a late goal from Michael Olise and an overall mature performance against Boca Juniors.

June 21, 2025

From: dpa

In the evening heat of Miami, the German football champions dominated the traditional club from Argentina's capital Buenos Aires with a 2-1 victory that was more convincing than the scoreline suggests. Bayern are thus through to the round of XNUMX.

"The result and the three points are the most important thing," commented captain Manuel Neuer. "We're happy to have started the tournament with six points." After the match, the Bayern entourage rushed to the airport to return to their base camp in Orlando that night. One concern was on board: German international Jamal Musiala was forced off just 25 minutes after coming on, apparently with a calf injury. "I hope it's nothing serious," said coach Vincent Kompany.

Miguel Marentiel scores against Manuel Neuer. © APA/afp / PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA

In addition to Olise, who scored his third World Cup goal in the 84th minute with a precise shot into the far corner, striker Harry Kane scored in the 63.587th minute in front of 18 spectators. Striker Miguel Marentiel surprisingly equalized for Boca at 1-1 in the 66th minute after a counterattack and a positioning error by Bayern defender Jonathan Tah. It was the first defeat for the previously strong South American teams at the tournament in the USA.

For the group victory against Benfica

In their final group match against second-placed Benfica Lisbon (4 points), Bayern are still fighting for first place. As first in Group C, the Munich club would face Chelsea or ES Tunis at the start of the knockout phase, and as runners-up, they would face Flamengo of Brazil.

Bayern and Boca Juniors delivered a thrilling duel. © APA/afp / CHANDAN KHANNA

The atmosphere in the stadium was clearly in the hands of the Boca fans. On the pitch, however, Bayern had complete control of what felt like an away game. The Munich team didn't allow themselves to be provoked, remained cool, and held their own robustly.

The drawback was the goal yield

There was only one shortcoming – the goal-scoring tally. Kingsley Coman (20'), Tah (40'), and Olise (53') could have increased the lead after Kane's goal. A direct corner from Olise in the 8th minute was also disallowed because Serge Gnabry had been too aggressive in challenging Boca's goalkeeper. Bayern captain Manuel Neuer had to make a brilliant save once. The goalkeeper saved a powerful shot from winger Kevin Zenón with his right fist (33').