In a thrilling Group A encounter at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras secured a 2-0 victory against African giants Al Ahly at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on June 19, 2025.
The match, marked by intense competition and a temporary suspension due to severe weather, showcased Palmeiras' resilience and tactical prowess, propelling them closer to the Round of 16.
A High-Stakes Battle
Both teams entered the match under pressure after opening their campaigns with 0-0 draws—Palmeiras against Porto and Al Ahly against Inter Miami.
With Group A tightly contested, including Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Porto, this clash was pivotal for advancing to the knockout stage.
Palmeiras, favored by bookmakers at 8/15 odds, were expected to leverage their attacking depth, led by 18-year-old winger Estêvão Willian, who is set to join Chelsea next season.
Al Ahly, priced at 9/2 for an upset, aimed to capitalize on their defensive solidity and counterattacking threat.
The first half saw both sides probing cautiously, with Palmeiras creating early chances.
At the seventh minute, Raphael Veiga’s free-kick found Gustavo Gómez and Vitor Roque challenging Al Ahly’s defense, but the Egyptian goalkeeper made a crucial save.
Despite Palmeiras’ dominance, Al Ahly’s disciplined backline held firm, and the score remained 0-0 at halftime.
Second-Half Breakthrough
The second half ignited with Palmeiras breaking the deadlock just four minutes in.
A well-executed free-kick led to an own goal by an Al Ahly defender, who inadvertently headed the ball into his own net under pressure from Palmeiras’ attackers.
The Brazilian fans erupted, chanting their gratitude for the “assist” from the opposition.
Nine minutes later, Palmeiras doubled their lead with a textbook counterattack.
Midfielder Mauricio surged forward, delivering a precise through-ball to striker Flaco López, who coolly slotted the ball past the advancing goalkeeper.
The 2-0 scoreline reflected Palmeiras’ clinical finishing and exposed Al Ahly’s struggles to contain the Brazilian side’s pace and movement.
Weather Chaos Halts Play
As Palmeiras gained momentum, the match took an unexpected turn when severe thunderstorms swept across New Jersey.
Heavy rain, lightning, and soaring temperatures of 34°C (93°F) forced FIFA officials to suspend play in accordance with extreme weather protocols.
Fans and players sought shelter as a weather alert was issued until 9:00 PM local time, leaving the game’s resumption uncertain.
The delay tested both teams’ composure, but Palmeiras maintained their focus when play eventually resumed.
Palmeiras’ Path Forward
The victory positions Palmeiras favorably in Group A, boosting their chances of advancing alongside Inter Miami or Porto.
Estêvão Willian’s flair and Flaco López’s finishing underscored the team’s attacking potential, while their defensive resilience limited Al Ahly’s opportunities.
For Al Ahly, the loss complicates their knockout aspirations, requiring a strong performance in their final group match to stay alive.
What’s Next?
Palmeiras now shifts focus to their final group stage match, aiming to secure a top-two finish in Group A.
Al Ahly, meanwhile, faces an uphill battle to keep their tournament hopes alive.
As the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup unfolds, this clash at MetLife Stadium will be remembered for its drama, both on and off the pitch.
