The MetLife Stadium in New Jersey witnessed an unusual event on June 19, 2025, when the Palmeiras vs. Al Ahly match, part of the FIFA Club World Cup group stage, was halted at the 17th minute of the second half due to a storm warning. At that moment, Palmeiras led 2-0, with a goal against by Abou Ali and another by Flaco López. The game, which kicked off at 1:00 PM, was already challenged by intense 31°C heat, and the stoppage added tension to a match marked by VAR reviews and high-energy plays. The stands were evacuated for safety, and players were sent to the locker rooms.
The match began with Palmeiras pressing hard, but the first half ended goalless despite clear chances, like a close shot from Estêvão. Al Ahly relied on aerial plays but struggled against Palmeiras’ defense. At halftime, coach Abel Ferreira made changes, bringing on Flaco López and Maurício, who shifted the game’s momentum.
- Key moments before the stoppage:
- Abou Ali’s own goal at the 3rd minute of the second half, from Aníbal Moreno’s free kick.
- Flaco López scored at the 13th minute, in a counterattack led by Maurício.
- Game halted at the 17th minute due to the storm alert.
The clash, which drew passionate fans from both sides, resumed after clearance from authorities, but the weather incident defined the event’s coverage.
A partida entre Palmeiras x Al Ahly foi paralisada por conta de risco de tempestade!
— LIBERTA DEPRE (@liberta___depre) June 19, 2025
Determinação imediata para todos saírem do gramado.
📷@CazeTVOficial pic.twitter.com/5i6NevaxWp
Storm alert at MetLife Stadium
At the 17th minute of the second half, with Palmeiras comfortably ahead 2-0, a message on the stadium’s scoreboard shocked players, fans, and staff: “For your safety, everyone must leave the stands.” Simultaneous phone alerts warned of potential heavy rain. SporTV’s commentator Eric Faria noted the measure was precautionary, as no rain had started, but safety protocols were enforced.
Players were quickly sent to the locker rooms, while fans, including Palmeiras’ lively supporters with flags and drums, followed evacuation orders. The pause, lasting a few minutes, created uncertainty, but the tournament organizers acted swiftly to ensure safety at the MetLife Stadium, which had already hosted a large crowd for Palmeiras’ debut against Porto.
How Palmeiras built the 2-0 lead
Before the stoppage, Palmeiras secured their lead with efficiency in the second half. At the 3rd minute, Aníbal Moreno’s free kick led to Abou Ali heading into his own net, catching goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy off guard. The play was reviewed by VAR, which upheld the goal, as Gustavo Gómez, offside, did not interfere.
At the 13th minute, Palmeiras extended their lead with a swift counterattack. Maurício, a halftime substitute, drove forward and found Flaco López, who finished precisely into the bottom corner against El Shenawy. The move showcased the speed and connection between the substitutes, who transformed the game’s pace.
Other chances included a near-goal free kick from Aníbal Moreno at the 9th minute, underlining Palmeiras’ dominance. Al Ahly, despite attempts from Trézéguet and Zizo, failed to seriously threaten Weverton’s goal.
Weather conditions as an added challenge
The 31°C heat was already a hurdle for both teams. Coach Abel Ferreira had warned pre-match about managing player energy, especially with only five substitutions allowed. A hydration break in the first half, at the 29th minute, helped players cope, but no one anticipated a weather-related stoppage.
The storm alert wasn’t the tournament’s first weather issue. Another match, Pachuca vs. RB Salzburg, was also paused due to weather, highlighting the challenges of hosting the Club World Cup across U.S. regions. For Palmeiras vs. Al Ahly, the authorities’ quick response prevented major disruptions, and the game resumed without reports of heavy rain.
Refereeing and controversies before the pause
English referee Anthony Taylor, known for his strictness, drew attention. In the first half, Raphael Veiga received a red card at the 36th minute for a tackle, but after a VAR review, it was downgraded to a yellow, relieving Palmeiras’ fans. Other yellow cards went to Giay, Fathy, and Attiyat Allah, reflecting the game’s intensity.
- VAR interventions:
- Veiga’s red card overturned to yellow at the 39th minute of the first half.
- Abou Ali’s own goal confirmed at the 3rd minute of the second half.
- Flaco López’s goal validated, with no offside, at the 13th minute.
VAR ensured fair calls, but the weather stoppage added an unpredictable twist to the match’s flow.
Match context in the tournament
Palmeiras needed the win after a goalless draw against Porto in their opener, while Al Ahly, group leaders after a draw with Inter Miami, aimed to stay atop. Al Ahly’s coach José Riveiro praised Palmeiras’ speed and tactical stability pre-match. Still, the Egyptian side couldn’t match Palmeiras’ second-half intensity, especially after tactical tweaks.
The MetLife Stadium, with an 80,000-plus capacity, hosted a mixed crowd, with Palmeiras fans dominating but Al Ahly supporters adding vibrancy. The storm alert briefly disrupted the festive atmosphere.
Palmeiras’ tactical performance
Abel Ferreira fielded Facundo Torres and Raphael Veiga as starters, seeking midfield creativity. The initial strategy focused on high pressing, stifling Al Ahly’s build-up. In the second half, Flaco López and Maurício’s substitutions added verticality, capitalizing on the opponent’s defensive lapses.
- Standout players:
- Flaco López: Scored the second goal and brought dynamism to the attack.
- Aníbal Moreno: Accurate on set pieces, triggering the own goal.
- Maurício: Key assist for López’s goal.
Al Ahly struggled to contain Palmeiras’ pace. The absence of midfielder Emam Ashour, injured against Inter Miami, limited their creative options.
Fan reaction and media coverage
The stoppage sparked buzz among fans and media. Posts on X highlighted the moment, with Palmeiras’ official account joking about São Paulo’s rain while the game was paused in New Jersey. Outlets like Lance! and BandSports emphasized the partial victory’s significance and the weather’s impact.
Palmeiras’ fans, dominant in the stands, kept spirits high during the evacuation, with chants and flags defining the MetLife atmosphere. Interactions between Palmeiras and Al Ahly supporters remained friendly despite the on-field rivalry.
Match stats up to the stoppage
Until the pause, Palmeiras led key stats:
- Possession: 52% (Palmeiras) vs. 48% (Al Ahly).
- Shots: 12 (5 on target) for Palmeiras, 8 (2 on target) for Al Ahly.
- Fouls: 14 (Palmeiras) vs. 11 (Al Ahly).
- Yellow cards: 2 per team.
Palmeiras’ set-piece efficiency and counterattacks were decisive, while Al Ahly relied on sporadic plays without breaking through.
Incident’s significance in the tournament
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, with 32 teams, has been marked by competitive matches and records, like the 44 goals in the first round, surpassing the 2000 World Cup’s 43. The Palmeiras vs. Al Ahly stoppage added a new layer, underscoring logistical challenges in the U.S. The incident highlighted the need for strict weather protocols, especially in open stadiums like the MetLife.
For Palmeiras, the 2-0 lead was vital for their group stage ambitions, while Al Ahly faced pressure to recover post-resumption. The match’s outcome, though not detailed here, reinforced Verdão’s resilience in adversity.
