'Benfica is used to playing in major competitions' - Ex-Man United star hails Portuguese side ahead of clash

The Brazilian team Boca Juniors are set to play their first Club World Cup game against Benfica on Monday night.

The midfielder would face his former Manchester United teammate Di Maria as they look to reunite in the United States.

Boca Juniors midfielder Ander Herrera, a veteran of European football, declined to discuss Bayern Munich, stating his focus remains solely on their upcoming Club World Cup Group C clash with Benfica.

"Bayern's thrashing? We're thinking about Benfica. We'll think about other things later. Benfica, Benfica, Benfica. I'm not going to make comparisons.

"We are Boca, we have to think about ourselves. Benfica is a top 10 or top 15 club in Europe. They've shown that this year despite losing titles in the final stages.

"They competed against one of the teams we, as players, enjoyed watching the most: Barcelona. They faced them and made life difficult for them. They fought for titles until the end," he told reporters.

"Benfica is a team accustomed to playing in major competitions and big games. With the utmost respect, considering the strength of our opponent, we also have to think about our own qualities and possibilities," he added, as reported by Abola.

Boca Juniors defender Lucas Blondel acknowledged the quality of their opponents but issued a guarantee.

"Our intention is to qualify. We know it's difficult. The level of our opponents is very high. The people who support us are a bonus. We will try to do our best," he said.