Michael Olise’s 84th-minute winner sealed a hard-fought 2-1 victory for Bayern Munich over Argentina’s Boca Juniors on Friday night, earning the German champions a spot in the knockout phase of the FIFA Club World Cup. The decisive moment came after a scrappy exchange in the penalty area. Harry Kane, under pressure, managed to find Olise, who rifled a low shot into the bottom left corner, leaving Boca’s goalkeeper with no chance. Bayern had taken the lead in the first half through Kane, who latched onto a pass from Kingsley Coman after a sharp build-up involving Konrad Laimer. Though Kane’s first touch was heavy, he recovered in time to strike a powerful left-footed shot from 12 yards out. Boca Juniors responded in the 66th minute when Miguel Merentiel equalised. Alan Velasco spotted Merentiel’s run and played a precise ball into space. The forward beat Jonathan Tah to the ball, weaved past Josip Stanisic, and lifted a right-footed finish over Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. The win keeps Bayern perfect in Group C with two victories from two matches (2-0-0, 6 points), following their emphatic 10-0 opening win over Auckland City. Boca Juniors, with one point from two games (0-1-1), now face a must-win scenario. They need a dominant win against Auckland City on Tuesday in Nashville and must hope Bayern defeat Benfica the same day in Charlotte to stand a chance of progressing. Despite a tighter contest than their opener, Bayern’s quality and depth ultimately made the difference. Olise’s late goal not only underlined his growing influence but also reaffirmed Bayern’s status as title contenders. The match drew significant attention as part of a tournament full of surprises, including Botafogo’s upset over PSG and Lionel Messi’s heroics for Inter Miami.
Olise’s Late Strike Sends Bayern Munich to Club World Cup Knockout Stage
