Conmebol clubs outplay Europeans, yet fall short at the Club World Cup | OneFootball

Three direct confrontations between teams from Conmebol and Uefa in the new format of the FIFA Club World Cup have been played so far in 2025.

All ended in draws, but the data revealed by the statistics profile on X, @2010MisterChip, shows the following scenario: the South Americans produced more offensively, despite having less ball possession.

Fluminense 0 x 0 Borussia Dortmund

Palmeiras 0 x 0 Porto

Boca 2 x 2 Benfica

According to the Spanish analyst's survey, the combined numbers of the three duels between representatives of the two confederations present:

Draws don't reflect the matches

The confrontations all ended in draws — including the most recent one between Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund, which ended 0-0 this Tuesday (17).

Despite the equality in results, the numbers expose a reality that contrasts with the traditional narrative of European dominance.

UEFA's greater possession is predictable, given the technical-tactical profile of its clubs, which value patient circulation and territorial control.

However, the volume of shots and accurate strikes favorable to the South American clubs reveals a more aggressive and effective stance in the final third of the field.

Does the South American style bother?

Tactically, the games highlighted a difference in approach. Conmebol clubs bet on quick transitions, use of the wings, and mid-range shots, while the Europeans prioritized controlled build-up.

The disparity in shots shows that, even with less time on the ball, the South Americans were more objective.

This data is especially relevant in a tournament where technical balance is often underestimated. By creating more clear chances, even against theoretically superior tactical structures, the South Americans reinforce that the gap between the continents is not as large as many projected.

Impressions and repercussion

The statistic resonated widely on social media, with many Latin American fans and analysts highlighting the competitiveness of Southern clubs. Comments like “we lacked the goal, but had intensity” or “we have more punch, we just need more precision” were frequent among fans of Fluminense and Boca Juniors — two of Conmebol's representatives in the tournament.

On the European side, part of the press warned about the low offensive productivity of the giants, especially compared to the number of chances allowed.

L’Équipe, for example, highlighted the “defensive efficiency of the South Americans, combined with a competitive spirit that balanced the physical and technical duel.”

Growing expectation for upcoming clashes

With this data in hand, the trend is that the next confrontations between South Americans and Europeans in the tournament will gain even more attention.

Despite financial inequalities, Palmeiras, Fluminense, and Boca Juniors have shown that they can compete on equal terms, and even finish more, than UEFA favorites.

Whether the draws will turn into victories, only the rest of the tournament will tell. But the message has already been sent: South America has come to compete – and attack.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

📸 Francois Nel - 2025 Getty Images