Porto vs Al Ahly

Porto’s path to the knockout stages of FIFA’s revamped Club World Cup grew more challenging after a 2-1 defeat to Inter Miami in their second group match. Despite an early lead from a VAR-awarded penalty by Samu Aghehowa, Porto left Atalanta empty-handed, conceding two second-half goals.

Just after halftime, Telasco Segovia equalized for Miami, followed by a classic Lionel Messi free kick to seal the win. Porto, unable to respond, suffered their first loss after taking the lead since their Europa League defeat to Roma in February.

With only one point from their opening draw against Palmeiras, Porto now face a must-win game against Al Ahly, while also needing Inter Miami to defeat Palmeiras to have a chance of advancing on goal difference. The pressure is mounting on head coach Martin Anselmi, who has struggled since joining mid-season.

Porto, once dominant in the Primeira Liga, have finished third in consecutive seasons for the first time since the mid-1970s, with Lisbon clubs claiming the top spots. A group-stage exit could prompt club president Andre Villas-Boas to reassess Anselmi’s position, making Monday’s match critical.

Meanwhile, Al Ahly’s hopes dimmed after a 2-0 loss to Palmeiras, despite controlling 65% of possession. A lightning storm briefly halted the game after Palmeiras’ second goal, but Al Ahly failed to create scoring opportunities. Winless in their last three Club World Cup matches and goalless in each, the Egyptian giants—12-time CAF Champions League winners—face another potential early exit. Only a win over Porto and an Inter Miami loss to Palmeiras could see them reach the last 16.

Historically, Al Ahly have lost both prior competitive matches against European teams, falling to Bayern Munich in 2021 and Real Madrid in 2023, making their task against Porto daunting.