Porto and Al Ahly enter the final group stage matchday of the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup knowing that anything other than a win will definitively end their hopes of reaching the last 16.
The Portuguese side began with a promising 0-0 draw against Palmeiras but spurned an early lead to lose 2-1 to Inter Miami in Atlanta on Thursday courtesy of second-half goals.
“I don’t think it’s going to be an easy match at all,” said midfielder Gabri Veiga, a signing from Saudi club Al-Ahli for around £12.8 million earlier this month.
“I know Al Ahly; their coach [Jose Riveiro] trained me when I was eight years old, and I know how they work; they’re very good.
“I was in Saudi Arabia, so I know they’re a very tough team to beat, very well-rounded, and with an extensive list of achievements that includes titles in Egypt and the African Champions League.”
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The reigning Egyptian champions were unfortunate not to beat Miami in a 0-0 draw in the opening game of the tournament before losing 2-0 to Palmeiras on Thursday.
“Al-Ahly will play tomorrow’s match for the dream of reaching the next stage,” said former Orlando Pirates manager Riveiro.
“This is the identity of Al-Ahly – a club that never gives up until the final whistle. We came to the US to get good results. The players delivered solid performances at times, but it’s difficult to talk about the positives when we haven’t secured wins.”
“Qualification is still possible. We will be a strong team and we will fight with everything we have to go through. We are aiming to deliver our best performance and hopefully win.
“I’ve been here for two weeks getting to know the players’ style and culture. They’re not happy with the recent results and understand the responsibility on their shoulders.”
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Porto v Al Ahly team news
Goalkeepers Samuel Portugal and Goncalo Ribeiro have been late additions to Porto’s squad after Diogo Costa missed part of training with muscle discomfort in the first-choice number one’s right thigh.
Fabio Vieira is eligible after spending last season on loan at the Estadio do Dragao from Arsenal, while fellow midfielder Marko Grujic has been out since September with a heel issue.
Egypt midfielders Emam Ashour and Taher Mohamed Taher are out for Al-Ahly through injuries but Riveiro says he “won’t dwell on the absences”.
“The 28 players on our squad are all starters in my eyes,” added the Spaniard. “We have quality players in the team.”
Porto v Al Ahly expected line-ups
Porto starting XI: Ramos; Mario, Martim, Ze Pedro, Marcano, Francisco Moura; Vasco Sousa, Gabri Veiga, Fabio Varela, Rodrigo Mora; Samu Aghehowa
Al-Ahly starting XI: El Shenawi; Hany, Ibrahim, El Aash, Kouka; Attia, Fathy, Reda; Trezeguet, W Ali, Bencharki
How to watch Porto v Al Ahly: TV and online streams
Kick-off on Tuesday is at 02:00 BST, with live coverage on DAZN.
DAZN subscribers or Freemium member can tune in as part of their existing membership, while non-subscribers can register for a free account to start watching.
Fans can watch on the go via the DAZN App on smart TVs, phones, tablets, games consoles and streaming devices.
