Palmeiras dominates second half, wins and takes second place in Group A at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025
In a decisive match with major implications for the Grupo A Mundial de Clubes, Palmeiras defeated Al Ahly of Egypt by 2-0, in a game held at MetLife Stadium, in New Jersey (USA), this Sunday (22nd). The win consolidated Verdão as the group’s runner-up, significantly boosting their chances of reaching the Round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
The match, marked by sweltering heat and a long pause due to a weather alert, featured a balanced first half followed by a dominant second half by the Brazilian team. The highlight was striker José Manuel López, who scored after coming on at halftime. The result also eliminated Al Ahly from the tournament, as the Egyptian side now has only 1 point from two matches.
🕐 First Half: Tactical balance, tight marking, and decisive VAR moment
🔍 Weather and match expectations
Under intense heat of 31°C (88°F) and 60% humidity, both Palmeiras and Al Ahly began the match with surprising intensity. Coaches Abel Ferreira (Palmeiras) and José Riveiro (Al Ahly) fielded offensive lineups, each searching for the group’s first goal, after both teams drew 0-0 in their opening matches.
⚽ Dangerous plays and youthful brilliance
The first big chance came in the 18th minute, through teenage star Estêvão, already signed by Chelsea. He sprinted down the right wing, cut inside leaving two defenders behind, and shot with his left foot — narrowly missing the right post of goalkeeper El Shenawy, electrifying the Palmeiras fans.
Eight minutes later, in the 26th minute, Palmeiras earned a corner from the left. Piquerez curled the ball into the box, forcing El Shenawy to punch it away for another corner. Despite the score remaining 0-0, Palmeiras displayed more offensive volume, even though Al Ahly’s defensive structure held up well.
❌ Controversial VAR decision
The game’s most controversial moment came at 38 minutes when midfielder Raphael Veiga made a strong sliding tackle on Zizo. Referee Anthony Taylor immediately showed a straight red card. However, after a VAR review, the decision was downgraded to a yellow card, triggering loud protests from Al Ahly’s bench. Although forceful, the tackle was judged to be reckless rather than malicious.
Veiga was substituted at halftime by Maurício, a tactical decision by Abel Ferreira to prevent a second caution.
Halftime score: Palmeiras 0 x 0 Al Ahly
⚡ Second Half: Intensity, two goals, and a surprising stoppage
🚀 Halftime changes and quick goal
Right after the break, Abel Ferreira made two key substitutions: José López replaced Vitor Roque, aiming to add more depth to the attack and it paid off quickly.
In the 49th minute, Palmeiras won a free kick on the right wing, taken by Aníbal Moreno. The ball came in hard and low, and Wessam Abou Ali, trying to clear it, inadvertently headed it into his own goal: 1-0 Palmeiras.
The goal energized the Brazilian side, who began pressing higher and exploiting gaps between Al Ahly’s defensive lines.
🟢 Lethal counterattack and second goal
Ten minutes later, in the 59th minute, Palmeiras launched a fast counterattack starting from their own defensive third. The move involved Facundo Torres, who played it to Maurício, and then found José López making a diagonal run. The Argentine forward entered the box, controlled the ball skillfully, and calmly slotted it with his left foot into the bottom right corner: 2-0 Palmeiras.
The goal showcased Palmeiras’ lethal transition play, a hallmark of Abel Ferreira’s tactical style.
⚠️ Unexpected weather delay
Moments after the second goal, play was suspended for around 50 minutes due to a severe weather alert. Players were taken off the field and approximately 35,000 fans were advised to seek shelter inside the stadium. Curiously, there were no visible signs of a storm, but FIFA opted to enforce its safety protocol.
🧤 Weverton shines in the final minutes
Following the delay, Al Ahly pushed forward desperately. In the 90’+2 minute, Achraf Bencharki fired a shot from the edge of the box, forcing a spectacular save from Weverton, diving to his top left corner.
At 90’+5, another chance fell to El Shahat, whose left-footed shot from inside the box was blocked by Palmeiras’ defense.
Even under late pressure, Palmeiras remained defensively solid and saw out the match to secure three vital points.
Messi’s stunning free-kick seals historic comeback and puts American team atop Group A of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Historic US victory over Europe
In the most anticipated match of the second round in Grupo A Mundial de Clubes, Inter Miami defeated traditional Portuguese powerhouse FC Porto by 2-1, coming from behind on Thursday (19) at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The victory, highlighted by a sensational free-kick goal by Lionel Messi, and an excellent team performance, puts the American side at the top of the group and marks a historic milestone: the first Concacaf team to defeat a European club in a FIFA club tournament.
The match was intense, featuring drama, a decisive VAR intervention, and standout performances from both rising stars and veteran legends. FC Porto, who initially took the lead with Samu Aghehowa’s penalty, lost control in the second half under pressure from the American side led by the Argentine superstar.
🕐 First Half: FC Porto starts stronger and scores with help from VAR
🔍 Tactical approach and Portuguese control
After a goalless draw against Palmeiras, FC Porto entered the pitch with an offensive mindset, relying on Rodrigo Mora, Fábio Vieira, and the young forward Samu Aghehowa. Meanwhile, Inter Miami lined up with the heavyweight trio of Messi, Luis Suárez, and Busquets, but initially adopted a reactive strategy.
In the 5th minute, following a left-wing play, João Mário was brought down by Noah Allen inside the box. Initially uncalled, the referee consulted VAR and awarded a penalty to Porto.
At 8 minutes, Samu Aghehowa calmly converted the penalty, shooting into the bottom left corner beyond goalkeeper Óscar Ustari: 1-0 FC Porto.
⚠️ Porto pressure and missed chances
Porto maintained pressure in the minutes that followed. At 43′, Aghehowa forced a strong save from Ustari with a low drive. Just a minute later, Alan Varela struck the post from outside the box nearly doubling the lead. Inter Miami seemed disorganized and lacked creativity in the final third.
On the American side, their only real chance in the first half came at 35 minutes, when Benjamín Cremaschi shot from the right side, prompting a save from Cláudio Ramos.
Halftime: Inter Miami 0 x 1 FC Porto
⚡ Second Half: quick equalizer, Messi’s brilliance, and Inter Miami in control
🚀 Early goal sparks new energy
Right at the start of the second half, Inter Miami returned with more urgency and found the equalizer. In the 47th minute, Marcelo Weigandt surged down the right wing and delivered a low cross to Telasco Segovia, who was unmarked in the box and fired a one-touch finish into the top right corner: 1-1.
The goal rattled Porto, who began losing control of the midfield. Despite tactical changes from Sérgio Conceição, Inter capitalized on the Portuguese side’s disorganization.
⭐ Messi’s masterclass seals the win
In the 54th minute, during an Inter Miami attack, Rodrigo Mora fouled Messi near the edge of the box. The Argentine legend stepped up and curled a magnificent left-footed free-kick into the top right corner, leaving Cláudio Ramos helpless Messi’s 68th career free-kick goal: 2-1 Inter Miami.
At 59 minutes, Porto attempted to respond with a series of chances shots from Fábio Vieira and Rodrigo Mora, as well as a header from Aghehowa but all were either off-target or denied by Ustari.
🔄 Substitutions and final efforts
In the final 30 minutes, both coaches made numerous changes. Inter Miami reinforced its defense with Tomás Avilés and Jordi Alba, while Porto introduced Stephen Eustáquio, Otávio, and Gonçalo Borges to seek a reaction.
Porto’s best chance to equalize came in the 90’+1 minute, when Aghehowa took a shot from outside the box but missed wide. At 90’+7, Fafà Picault, who had replaced the injured Ian Fray, nearly scored the third goal for Inter, but Cláudio Ramos made a solid save.
With composure, tactical discipline, and ball control, Inter Miami held firm to secure a historic and strategic victory.
📈 Impact on the Grupo A Mundial de Clubes standings
Group B
Barrios shines and keeps the Spaniards alive in the fight for Group B at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025
comeback victory keeps Atlético de Madrid alive in the tournament
Atlético de Madrid secured a crucial 3-1 victory over the Seattle Sounders on Thursday (19), in the second round of Group B at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, held at Lumen Field in Seattle. After a disastrous opening defeat to PSG (4–0), the Spanish side bounced back with pragmatic and efficient football, relying on two goals from Pablo Barrios and another from Axel Witsel to overcome the home team.
With the result, Atlético remains in contention for a place in the Round of 16, while Seattle stands on the brink of elimination. The American side now depends on an unlikely combination of results after two consecutive home losses.
🕐 First Half: Barrios opens the scoring and VAR denies Atlético a penalty
🔍 High intensity and attacking intent from the Spaniards
Atlético de Madrid started the match with high intensity and offensive pressure, clearly trying to erase the memory of their heavy defeat to PSG. The breakthrough came early, at the 11th minute. After a swift counterattack led by Giuliano Simeone, the forward dribbled down the left, beat his marker, and played a low cross into the box. Pablo Barrios arrived unmarked, controlled the ball, and fired a right-footed shot that hit the underside of the crossbar and went in: 1–0 Atlético de Madrid.
⚠️ Spanish control and VAR controversy
At the 25th minute, Alexander Sørloth had a clear chance one-on-one with goalkeeper Stefan Frei, who made an excellent save. On the rebound, Rodrigo De Paul struck from distance, forcing another intervention from Frei.
In the 38th minute, the referee awarded a penalty to Atlético for a supposed handball by Roldan after a cross from Javi Galán. However, following VAR review, the decision was overturned, prompting heavy protests from Diego Simeone on the sidelines.
⚔️ Seattle’s timid response
Seattle Sounders tried to hit back using the pace of Pedro de la Vega and Danny Musovski, but were consistently shut down by the well-organized Le Normand and Witsel. Their best chance came in the 33rd minute, when Cristian Roldan fired a low shot just wide of Oblak’s goal.
Halftime score: Seattle Sounders 0 x 1 Atlético de Madrid
⚡ Second Half: quick goals, Rusnák responds, and Barrios seals the win
🚀 High-paced start and goals on both sides
The second half began with several changes and even more intensity. Just two minutes in, at 47′, following a corner kick taken by Rodrigo De Paul, Robin Le Normand got a slight touch, and the ball fell to Axel Witsel, who headed it home from close range: 2–0 Atlético de Madrid.
But Seattle responded quickly. At the 50th minute, after a cross from Paul Rothrock, the ball deflected and ended up at the feet of Albert Rusnák, who fired first-time into the center of the net: 2–1.
The goal brought the crowd to life and gave Seattle fresh energy. They pushed forward, and at the 59th minute, Danny Musovski nearly equalized with a sharp low shot, but Oblak made a point-blank save.
⭐ Barrios steps up again to finish the match
Just moments after conceding, Atlético responded in style. At the 55th minute, Marcos Llorente launched a long ball from the right. It sailed across the box and landed for Pablo Barrios, who struck a right-footed half-volley into the top corner: 3–1 Atlético de Madrid.
It was Barrios’s second goal of the match, cementing his status as Man of the Match, with his poise, timing, and tactical awareness standing out.
🔄 Substitutions and game management
In the final 30 minutes, Simeone made tactical changes to close out the match. Antoine Griezmann, Nahuel Molina, and Conor Gallagher came on to solidify midfield and control possession. Seattle, on the other hand, introduced Jesús Ferreira and Georgi Minoungou in search of pace and attacking momentum.
Seattle had two notable chances late on: at 81′, Minoungou headed directly at Oblak, and at 85′, Jon Bell missed wide after a corner kick.
In stoppage time, Atlético de Madrid smartly retained possession and kept the ball in the opposition’s half, avoiding any defensive lapses.
Igor Jesus scores stunner as Glorioso beats European champions and leads Group B at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Botafogo makes history by defeating the Champions League winners
On the evening of Thursday (June 20), Botafogo achieved one of the greatest feats in its recent history by defeating Paris Saint-Germain, reigning European champions, 1-0 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena (USA), during the second round of Group B at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. With a spectacular goal from Igor Jesus, the Brazilian side claimed the top spot in the group and is now just one draw away from securing qualification to the tournament’s Round of 16.
PSG, who came into the match riding a 19-game scoring streak and three consecutive victories with a combined scoreline of 12–0, ran into a solid, organized, and efficient Botafogo defense one worthy of a continental champion.
🕐 First Half: PSG presses, but Igor Jesus strikes with a deadly counter
🔍 Intense start and French dominance
Paris Saint-Germain began the game assertively, dominating possession and attacking mainly down the left side through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Nuno Mendes. Just 2 minutes in, the Georgian winger fired a dangerous shot after a pass from Zaïre-Emery, forcing John, Botafogo’s goalkeeper, into an early save.
At 6 minutes, Botafogo responded with a long-range effort from Artur, well saved by Donnarumma. The match continued with PSG encircling the Brazilian penalty area, but being consistently denied by excellent defensive work from Alexander Barboza and Gregore, who broke up multiple central plays.
⚠️ PSG wastes chances as Botafogo grows into the game
At the 20-minute mark, Kvaratskhelia came close again with a curling shot after a solo run. Moments later, Gonçalo Ramos had a solid opportunity with a header, but sent it wide. Coach Renato Paiva kept his team compact, defending with a back five and intense midfield cover.
⚽ Igor Jesus stunner changes everything
In the 36th minute, during a rare quick transition, Jefferson Savarino received the ball on the right and delivered a perfectly weighted pass to Igor Jesus. The striker controlled it on the edge of the box, dribbled past Beraldo and Lucas Hernández with a swift turn, and fired a low shot into the bottom left corner: 1–0 Botafogo.
The Brazilian fans erupted in the Rose Bowl, and Igor Jesus jumped the stands to celebrate with the ecstatic crowd. It was PSG’s first goal conceded since May 17.
⛔ VAR checks, corners, and late first-half pressure
In the final minutes of the half, PSG pushed hard for an equalizer. They earned three consecutive corners between the 42nd and 45th minutes, but Botafogo’s defense cleared them all. At 45’+7, the referee ended the first half with the scoreboard reading: PSG 0 x 1 Botafogo.
⚡ Second Half: Botafogo defends like a European giant as PSG fails to break through
🔁 Substitutions and PSG’s response attempt
Right after halftime, Luis Enrique made four substitutions at once, bringing on Barcola, Fabián Ruiz, Nuno Mendes, and João Neves in an attempt to shake up PSG’s offensive rhythm.
The French side increased the pressure, but ran into a defensive wall built by Renato Paiva. With John steady in goal, Barboza dominating aerial duels, and a midfield line including Allan, Gregore, Marlon Freitas, and Vitinho committed to closing space, Botafogo kept their shape superbly.
🧤 Key saves and tactical discipline
At 51 minutes, Gonçalo Ramos had a clear chance after a cross from Vitinha, but John reacted with a point-blank save. Two minutes later, Savarino tested Donnarumma with a header in a rare Botafogo attack.
Between 60 and 70 minutes, PSG saw four shots inside the box blocked, with Gregore, Allan, and Cuiabano (who had replaced Alex Telles) intercepting every attempt. The structure and coordination of Botafogo’s defense resembled that of elite European clubs compact, well-covered, and almost impenetrable.
🚨 Final minutes: drama, pressure, and Brazilian relief
In the final 10 minutes, PSG mounted an offensive flurry:
- At 90’+2, Kvaratskhelia fired a dangerous free-kick over the bar.
- At 90’+4, Vitinha shot from distance, but it lacked accuracy.
- At 90’+6, Hakimi had a free header after a Lee Kang-In corner, but missed the target.
- At 90’+7, Kvaratskhelia had one last shot inside the box, but Barboza made the block of the night.
The final whistle confirmed a historic win: PSG 0 x 1 Botafogo.
📈 Impact of the result on Grupo B Mundial de Clubes
Main Sources used to write this article
- timesofindia.com
- espn.com (Palmeiras vs Al Ahly)
- espn.com (Inter Miami vs Porto)
- espn.com (Seattle Sounder FC vs Atl Madrid)
- espn.com (PSG vs Boatafogo)
