Bad weather conditions nearly marred the beauty of the game between Palmeiras and Al Ahly at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey as the game was suspended in the 66th minute for over quarter of an hour before continuing. An own goal from defender Abou Ali and substitute Flaco Lopez condemned Al Ahly to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Brazilian giants Palmeiras in Thursday’s Group A encounter of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup game. Palmeiras were leading 2-0 before English referee Anthony Taylor suspended the match in the 66th minute due to safety issues as fans were requested to leave the seating bowl and take shelter in the stadium because of bad weather conditions. ALSO READ: FIFA club World Cup 2025 winners to pocket 125m Taylor initially sent off Veiga in the 36th minute for a two-footed challenge on midfielder Zizo before overturning the red card for a yellow card after consulting the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). After the break, Abou Ali headed into his own net as he tried to clear a dangerous cross from Richard Rios free kick in the 49th minute. There was no turning back as Palmeiras increased the pressure on the Egyptian side as Flaco Lopez came from the bench, replacing Vitor Roque, made it 2-0 with a perfect finish in the 59th minute after being played through by midfield. The game went on temporary suspension in the 66th minute due to bad weather conditions. When it resumed after 40 minutes, Palmeiras defended gallantly as they went away with a 2-0 win. Al Ahly must beat FC Porto to in their final group A game to stand a chance of qualifying to the second round.
