Al Ahly coach Jose Riveiro has revealed what went wrong during his side's 2-0 defeat to Palmeiras at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Check Out: Al Ahly Suffer First Loss Under Riveiro
The Red Devils faced the Green and White in their second Club World Cup game, following a draw in their opening games.
An own goal from Al Ahly defender Wessam Abou Ali and another from Jose Manuel Lopez were enough to condemn the Red Giant to their first loss under Jose Riveiro.
The Spaniard spoke to DAZN following the defeat and said the poor start to the second half was the catalyst for their loss.
"The first half was balanced," Riveiro said.
"Neither team really threatened the other.
He added: "We made two mistakes at the start of the second half. We gave away a free kick, and the second goal came from a move we couldn’t stop. After play resumed, we couldn’t recover, and the match ended,” the former Orlando Pirates boss said.
In the group's other game, Lionel Messi scored a free-kick winner to help Inter Miami to a 2-1 win over FC Porto. The Americans and Brazilians now sit level with four points, while Al Ahly and Porto have one each before they face each other in the final group game.
Riveiro admitted there was still a strong chance for his side to qualify for the last 16.
Check Out: Finnish Coach Backs Riveiro For Ahly Success
"If the numbers don’t rule us out, the chance is still there," Riveiro said. "We’ll perform well against Porto and win. That’s our duty."
Photo: Facebook/Al Ahly SC
