- Fixture: Palmeiras vs Al Ahly
- Date: Thursday, 19 June 2025
- Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA
Match Preview
Palmeiras and Al Ahly meet in a pivotal Group A clash at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, both searching for their first win after opening draws. Palmeiras, the Brazilian giants, were held to a frustrating 0-0 stalemate by Porto in their tournament opener, despite dominating much of the play and registering 19 shots on goal. Their high pressing and attacking intent were evident, but a combination of wasteful finishing and inspired goalkeeping from Porto’s Claudio Ramos denied them the three points. The result leaves Abel Ferreira’s side eager to convert their dominance into goals and secure a crucial victory to boost their knockout hopes.
Al Ahly, meanwhile, also started with a goalless draw, holding Inter Miami and Lionel Messi at bay in Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. The Egyptian champions created the better chances, including a missed penalty by Trézéguet, but were thwarted by Miami keeper Oscar Ustari. Al Ahly’s defensive discipline and ability to frustrate high-profile opposition were on display, but their lack of cutting edge in front of goal could prove costly against a more clinical opponent.
Recent form for Palmeiras has been solid, if unspectacular. They emerged unbeaten from their Copa Libertadores group and started the Brazilian Serie A season strongly, but suffered two defeats before the Club World Cup, dropping them to fourth domestically. Their draw against Porto, however, showed they remain a formidable side, especially in big matches. Al Ahly, on the other hand, have been dominant in Africa but have struggled to score against top international opposition, as seen in their opener and their historical meetings with Palmeiras, including a 2-0 defeat in the 2022 edition of this competition.
Injuries and suspensions may play a role. Palmeiras could be without Paulinho, who is an injury doubt, but are expected to recall key men Raphael Veiga and possibly Paulinho if fit. Captain Gustavo Gómez must avoid a yellow card to escape suspension for the next match. Al Ahly’s influential midfielder Emam Ashour limped off in the opener and is a major doubt, while Reda Slim and Ahmed Kouka remain sidelined with long-term injuries. The absence of Ashour, their top scorer and most creative player, would be a significant blow to their attacking prospects.
Key Players
- Palmeiras:
- Estevão: The Chelsea-bound winger was a constant threat in the opener and is Palmeiras’ most dynamic attacker.
- Raphael Veiga: The creative heartbeat of the midfield, likely to return to the starting XI.
- Gustavo Gómez: The defensive leader, crucial for organizing the backline and set-piece threat.
- Al Ahly:
- Wessam Abou Ali: The Egyptian side’s main striker and top scorer this season.
- Hussein El Shahat: Offers pace and creativity on the flanks, also a key provider of assists.
- Mohamed El Shenawy: The experienced goalkeeper, pivotal in keeping Messi and Miami at bay in the opener.
Prediction
Given the evidence from their opening matches and recent form, Palmeiras are favorites to win this encounter. Their attacking quality, tactical discipline, and experience at this level should prove too much for an Al Ahly side missing key players and lacking cutting edge up front. Expect Palmeiras to control possession, press high, and eventually break through Al Ahly’s resilient defense—potentially repeating their 2-0 victory from 2022. Al Ahly’s best hope lies in a disciplined defensive display and capitalizing on set-pieces or counter-attacks, but the absence of Ashour could blunt their threat.
Predicted Score: Palmeiras 2-0 Al Ahly
Betting Markets & Odds
| Market | Selection | Fractional Odds | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time Result | Palmeiras | 4/7 | Bet Now |
| Full-Time Result | Draw | 11/4 | Bet Now |
| Full-Time Result | Al Ahly | 5/1 | Bet Now |
| Correct Score | Palmeiras 2-0 | 11/2 | Bet Now |
| Both Teams to Score | No | 4/6 | Bet Now |
| Over 2.5 Goals | No | 8/11 | Bet Now |
| First Goalscorer | Estevão (Palmeiras) | 5/1 | Bet Now |
Odds are indicative and may vary. Palmeiras are clear favorites, with value in backing them to win to nil or for under 2.5 goals, given both teams’ defensive records and recent results.
Expect a high-stakes, tactical battle at MetLife Stadium, but Palmeiras’ class should ultimately shine through as they look to take a major step toward the knockout rounds.
