Palmeiras claimed victory over Al Ahly at the FIFA Club World Cup in a match disrupted by severe weather, which forced play to be suspended for approximately 40 minutes in the second half.
Referee Anthony Taylor halted the game in the 62nd minute at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, after ominous clouds gathered overhead and concerns arose about a potential lightning storm. Earlier in the first half, players had already been given a cooling break as on-pitch temperatures soared to 31°C (88°F).
A stadium announcement warned fans to vacate the seating area and seek shelter indoors due to the extreme weather threat.
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On the pitch, Palmeiras broke the deadlock shortly after the interval when Al Ahly defender Achraf Dari inadvertently headed a free-kick into his own net—marking the first goal scored in Group A after a total of 257 minutes of scoreless action.
The Brazilian side doubled their lead 10 minutes later through substitute Jose Lopez, who made amends for a missed chance just minutes earlier. Displaying strength and composure, Lopez finished off a swift counter-attack to secure the result.
Palmeiras were also handed a lifeline earlier in the match after midfielder Raphael Veiga saw a straight red card overturned. Taylor had initially dismissed Veiga for a high challenge on Zizo, but after consulting the pitchside monitor, the decision was downgraded to a yellow.
Explaining the decision through his on-field microphone, Taylor clarified: “Contact is low on the foot and he [Veiga] does not leave the floor two-footed.”
Veiga had previously scored against Al Ahly in their 2-0 victory at the 2022 Club World Cup and played a key role once again as Palmeiras took control of Group A.
