Club World Cup: Flamengo boss lauds Brazilian clubs; Bayern Munich beat Boca Juniors to progress to knockouts

Club WC: Bayern Munich beat Boca Juniors to progress to knockouts

PHILADELPHIA — Flamengo manager Filipe Luis said his team's 3-1 comeback victory over Chelsea at the FIFA Club World Cup on Friday was further evidence of Brazilian football's growing stature on the global stage.

Chelsea took the lead through Pedro Neto but second-half goals from Bruno Henrique, Danilo and Wallace Yan handed the Brazilian Serie A side its second win in as many matches, reports Xinhua.

Flamengo are now three points clear at the top of Group D ahead of its final group fixture against Los Angeles FC on Tuesday.

Also read: Lionel Messi's free-kick lifts Inter Miami over Porto in Club World Cup

"I believe there is an elite in football, which includes eight or 10 teams in the world," Filipe Luis told a post-match news conference. "They are far superior. But after this elite, there is a second tier and I think Brazilian clubs are a part of that.

"This was a huge victory for us and it shows that anyone can win in this competition. That's football and that's why it is so beautiful."

The result came less than 24 hours after Botafogo, last year's Brazilian and Copa Libertadores champions, stunned European titleholders Paris Saint-Germain in Group B.

Brazil's four participating clubs - Flamengo, Botafogo, Palmeiras and Fluminense - are yet to lose at this tournament and all have chances of progressing to the round of 16.

"I believe that of all the Brazilian teams that are here are thinking about winning," Filipe Luis said. "If that helps Brazilian football, all the better, but I am not thinking about that. I am here simply thinking about Flamengo. One of the reasons why the Brazilians are doing well is the level of competitiveness. We can clearly see that the South Americans are treating each game like a final. That makes a big difference."

Filipe Luis reserved special praise for 34-year-old forward Henrique, who he credited with changing the course of the match after replacing Giorgian de Arrascaeta in the 56th minute.

In addition to his equaliser, Henrique provided the assist for Danilo's 65th-minute strike.

"We know that Bruno grows in big games," the former Atletico Madrid and Chelsea defender said. "I thought a lot about starting him. Even though he has been criticized, he is a forward who is not limited to goals and assists. He lifts the level of those around him just by being on the pitch and that hasn't changed, even as he's gotten older."

Club World Cup: Bayern Munich beat Boca Juniors to progress to knockouts

MIAMI — Bayern Munich rekindled their European pride at the Club World Cup with a gritty 2-1 win over Boca Juniors on Friday, booking their place in the last 16 after a tense and fiery clash.

In front of a passionate crowd dominated by Boca supporters - who transformed the Hard Rock Stadium into a mini “Bombonera” - the Argentine side fought tooth and nail. But Bayern's determination prevailed late in the game.

Harry Kane opened the scoring for the German champions early in the first half, only for Boca to hit back through Miguel Merentiel. With the game hanging in the balance, Michael Olise struck a late winner to send Bayern to the top of Group C with six points, two clear of Benfica. Boca, with just one point, remain in the hunt and will face Auckland City in their final group game, while Bayern take on Benfica.

The victory was a timely boost for European clubs, who have recently struggled in the tournament, with Porto, PSG, and Chelsea all tasting defeat.

The match crackled with intensity, especially in the second half, as Boca pressed high and disrupted Bayern’s rhythm with physical, high-tempo football.

Bayern made a strong start and thought they had gone ahead when Olise’s curling corner found the net, but the goal was ruled out by VAR for a foul on the goalkeeper. The breakthrough came in the 18th minute when a deflected clearance fell to Kane, who calmly finished into the bottom corner after a cross from Konrad Laimer - his first goal of the tournament after being held scoreless in the 10-0 rout of Auckland City.

Bayern nearly doubled their lead soon after as Serge Gnabry sent a ball across the face of goal, but Kingsley Coman missed a golden opportunity to tap in. At the other end, Manuel Neuer made a pair of sharp saves to deny Kevin Zenon, as Boca continued to pose a threat.

After the break, Boca intensified their efforts, unsettling Bayern with their relentless pressing and spirited tackling. The pressure paid off in the 66th minute when Merentiel was played through on the right, danced past Josip Stanisic, and beat Neuer with a composed finish, sending the Boca fans into a frenzy.

But Bayern held their nerve. In the 84th minute, Olise curled a precise shot into the bottom corner after being teed up by Kane, sealing a crucial win and a spot in the knockout stages.