In a dramatic conclusion to Group A of the 2025 Club World Cup, Brazil’s Palmeiras held Inter Miami to a 2-2 draw with goals in the 80th and 88th minutes, snatching first place in the group from the Americans. Both teams qualify for the round of 16, but the result completely changes the scenario: Inter Miami will now face PSG, while Palmeiras will face Botafogo.
The match was played on Monday, June 23 in Miami, with a tense atmosphere from the start, as a draw was enough for both teams to advance, but the order of the group would dictate the opponent in the next round.
Suárez shone, but it was not enough
Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez was the star of the match for most of the game.
He assisted Tadeo Allende on the first goal with a clever play from midfield.
A draw was enough for both teams to advance
He then scored the second with a brilliant individual move, leaving three Palmeiras defenders behind him and scoring over Brazilian goalkeeper Weverton.
With the score at 2-0 and only 10 minutes remaining, it looked like Inter Miami would secure first place in the group.
Even Lionel Messi had a couple of dangerous shots and was inches away from scoring after a long pass from Suarez before being substituted.
Palmeiras reacts
Buzzy
But Palmeiras did not give up.
First it was Paulinho who scored after a pass from Allan, and then Mauricio, in the 88th minute, tied the match with a cross-shot that beat goalkeeper Óscar Ustari.
The comeback left the Brazilian club as group leaders, thanks to a better goal difference, and avoided a meeting with the dreaded Paris Saint-Germain.
Now, on June 28, Palmeiras will face Botafogo in Atlanta.
The following day, on the 29th, Inter Miami will face a test against the PSG of Dembélé and company, in a long-awaited reunion between Messi and his former team.
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