Palmeiras Secures Draw to Confirm Top Spot | OneFootball

Inter Miami came close to victory on a lacklustre night for Palmeiras, but Abel Ferreira's late changes took effect and the Verdão managed a 2-2 draw at Hard Rock Stadium, securing the top spot in Group A of the Club World Cup.

The Alviverde avoided a clash against Paris Saint-Germain and will face Botafogo in the round of 16, where Lionel Messi will meet his former club...

Palmeiras Struggles

It was Palmeiras' worst first half in the Club World Cup. A game that lacked Abel Ferreira's signature style: the Verdão was not aggressive enough, too permissive, and had poorly defined transitions.

In a counterattack, Inter Miami took the lead. It all started with a forward kick from Redondo, who found Luis Suárez. The Uruguayan set up Allende, who outpaced Murilo, injured in the process, to score the first goal.

The Alviverde had no response in the first half. They threatened a few times from corners, and Facundo Torres had a good chance in the box, his shot narrowly missing the post. Estevão tried from distance, to no avail.

The midfield duo of Richard Ríos and Lucas Evangelista did not perform well, giving too much space to Miami in the central corridor. The Americans made many mistakes in their build-up play, but Palmeiras did not press enough to capitalize on them.

Inter Miami Comes Close Again

Abel Ferreira failed to improve the team in the second half. Palmeiras continued to create little and allowed Inter Miami space to attack quickly. The play that led to the goal almost repeated itself, and Allende once again broke clear, but this time he missed the target.

To add to the Brazilian tension, Luisito Suárez made his mark. He slipped between two defenders, advanced towards the goal, and left Bruno Fuchs behind before unleashing a left-footed strike: 2-0, a truly spectacular goal.

It was close to the end when Abel's substitutions finally brought Palmeiras back into the game: Allan found Paulinho with a good pass in the box, who shot low to beat the keeper. There were ten minutes left...

But it didn't take long for the equalizer to come. Paulinho crossed from the left, the defense failed to clear, and the ball fell to Maurício in the box, who also came off the bench. A powerful shot to the back of the net to secure the draw.

There was barely any time left for a turnaround, but Paulinho and Vitor Roque were thwarted by Ustari. Palmeiras and Inter Miami ended tied at the top of Group A, but the leadership was Palmeirense...