Both Miami and Palmeiras knew a draw would be enough to book their spot in the knockout stages, which explained the cagey opening 15 minutes.
The two sides managed just one chance between them during that time, with Gustavo Gomez heading an inswinging corner straight into the arms of the hosts’ goalkeeper Oscar Ustari.
However, Palmeiras soon suffered a double blow within seconds.
It began to look bleak when centre-back Murilo Cerqueira injured his hamstring attempting to catch the runaway Tadeo Allende as Miami went up 1-0.
Subsequently, Abel Ferreira’s side pressed for an equaliser.
Flying forward with intent, the majority in attendance were left breathing a sigh of relief when Facundo Torres’ effort ended up rolling only inches wide of the post.
There were more close calls for Lionel Messi and company before HT, too.
First, only an expert goalline clearance from Maximiliano Falcon prevented Richard Rios’ header from finding the back of the net, before referee Szymon Marciniak waved away protests from the Brazilians for a penalty as Noah Allen appeared to clip the Palmeiras midfielder’s heels.
Still in position to progress, it was Palmeiras’ turn to breathe easy in the 53rd minute.
On this occasion, Allende fired another splendid pass from Suarez wide of the mark. Eager to get his name on the scoresheet, Suárez did so in sensational style in the 65th minute by slamming the ball beyond Weverton after beating Bruno Fuchs with a sublime piece of skill.
However, the hosts were made to sweat throughout the final stages after second-half substitutes Allan and Paulinho combined to allow the latter to finish with a clever strike from inside the area.
And in the end, Miami could not see the game out as Mauricio left Vice City stunned with an unstoppable strike that flew past Ustari.
A dramatic conclusion sees Palmeiras finish top of Group A after going unbeaten across their three matches (W1, D2).
Meanwhile, Miami will join Abel Ferreira's side in the last eight, but will face the incredibly difficult task of trying to overcome Group B winners and defending UEFA Champions League champions, Paris Saint-Germain.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Luis Suarez (Inter Miami)
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