Palmeiras Clinches First Win in Club World Cup, Edges Closer to Round of 16

Palmeiras beats Al Ahly 2-0 in the FIFA Club World Cup, needing just one point to guarantee quarterfinal spot. Read more about the match.

Palmeiras secured their first victory in the FIFA Club World Cup, beating Al Ahly 2-0 at MetLife Stadium, thanks to a strong defensive performance, including nine clean sheets in their last 12 matches.

🎮 @Palmeiras win to take control of Group A!

— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 19, 2025

The first half was a tight contest with neither team scoring, despite Al Ahly dominating possession. However, Al Ahly struggled to break through Palmeiras' defense, failing to create clear-cut chances in the final third.

Palmeiras adopted a cautious approach, limiting their attacking threat. Estêvão, a winger bound for Chelsea, was left to create opportunities on his own. He came close to scoring after beating two defenders with a run inside from the right, but his shot narrowly sailed wide of the near post.

The Palmeiras fans grew restless as halftime approached. However, their anxiety turned to relief when Raphael Veiga's initial red card for a high tackle on Zizo was downgraded to a yellow card after a VAR review. Despite this reprieve, Veiga didn't last the match, being substituted in a double tactical change by coach Abel Ferreira in the second half - coincidentally, Veiga was celebrating his 30th birthday.

Palmeiras should have capitalized on the changes, but Flaco López inexplicably missed a tap-in from close range after Joaquín Piquerez's cross. Fortunately, the team didn't have to wait long for another opportunity, and this time, luck was on their side as the ball found its way into the net.

Aníbal Moreno's free-kick from the left flank created chaos in the box, with Al Ahly's Wessam Abou Ali inadvertently heading the ball past his own goalkeeper to give Palmeiras the advantage. The Brazilians sensed momentum and nearly doubled their lead shortly after when Moreno's free-kick nearly caught Al Ahly's Mohamed El Shenawy off guard.

Estêvão makes it look easy in Palmeiras' 2-0 win.

Congrats to the #SuperiorPlayeroftheMatch pic.twitter.com/bbhA37NECZ

— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 19, 2025

Al Ahly's goalkeeper made a great save on one occasion, but he couldn't stop López's clinical finish in the 59th minute. López redeemed himself for an earlier miss by slotting the ball into the bottom corner, following a swift Palmeiras counter-attack.

Al Ahly were reeling, but a lengthy delay due to adverse weather provided temporary relief. When play resumed, Palmeiras maintained their dominance, though they couldn't add to their lead. The two-goal cushion proved sufficient, securing a victory for the Brazilian side.

Palmeiras needs just one more point to secure a spot in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Al Ahly faces a tough challenge after suffering their second loss in 14 matches within 90 minutes, making their path to progression uncertain.