Brazil's Palmeiras secured a 2-0 victory over Jose Riveiro‘s Al Ahly in their Group A Club World Cup clash on Thursday, a match punctuated by a dramatic 50-minute weather delay at MetLife Stadium.
The game sprang to life in the second half, with Palmeiras scoring two quick goals in just 10 minutes.
The deadlock was broken in the 49th minute when Al Ahly's Palestine international striker, Wessam Abou Ali, inadvertently headed a powerful free-kick from Anibal Moreno into his own net.
A mix-up in the defense saw the ball diverted past his own goalkeeper, handing Palmeiras a fortunate lead. Just 10 minutes later, the Brazilian club doubled their advantage with a swift counter-attack.
Halftime substitute Jose Manuel Lopez expertly finished the move, shrugging off a defender to place the ball precisely into the net.
MATCH WAS HALTED DUE SEVERE WEATHER THREAT
Immediately after the second goal, English referee Anthony Taylor halted play, ordering both teams off the field. Spectators were instructed to seek shelter due to a severe weather threat despite no visible signs of a storm.
After a 30-minute wait, fans were allowed back to their seats, and the game resumed following a total delay of 50 minutes. Palmeiras maintained their second-half dominance, comfortably seeing out the win.
The first half had been surprisingly fast-paced given the midday kick-off in 31-degree Celsius heat and 60% humidity.
Teenage prodigy Estevao showcased glimpses of his Chelsea-bound talent, notably an 18th-minute run that mesmerized Al Ahly's defense before his shot went wide.
In another incident, a dangerous tackle by Raphael Vega initially drew a red card, but VAR review by Taylor downgraded it to a yellow, with Vega subsequently replaced at halftime.
This victory marked the end of the group's scoring drought, as both Al Ahly's previous match against Inter Miami and Palmeiras' game against FC Porto had ended goalless.
