MIAMI – Palmeiras and two-time European champion Porto played out a 0-0 draw in their Group A opener of the FIFA Club World Cup at the MetLife Stadium, with Porto’s stand-in goalkeeper Claudio Ramos delivering a stellar performance to frustrate the Brazilian side.
With all teams level on one point, Group A remains wide open after Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Egypt’s Al-Ahly also drew 0-0 as Palmeiras prepare to face Al-Ahly and Porto take on Inter Miami in the next round of fixtures on Thursday.
Ramos, deputising for injured captain Diego Costa, produced a string of saves to deny Palmeiras, who dominated the contest but were unable to find a breakthrough.
The substitute keeper’s heroics ensured Porto left with a valuable point.
Palmeiras nearly grabbed a winner in the dying moments when Murilo’s header struck the post, adding to their growing frustration.
Speaking to DAZN after the match, Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira praised his side’s efforts but rued missed opportunities.
“I think it was a well-balanced game where we had the best chances, but football is incredible. Porto’s best player was their substitute goalkeeper, who made four or five incredible saves to frustrate us,” he said.
“Porto had one or two goal opportunities sometimes it happens, sometimes its not the most aggressive team that wins. I wish that we had played for the 90 minutes like the last 15. But we have competent player, we are a young team. Our attack is very young,” Abel Ferreira added according to AP.
Ramos’ standout moment came in first-half stoppage time when he made three successive saves. Estevao and Mauricio were denied from close range before Richard Rios’ follow-up shot was cleared off the line by a defender.
The 32-year-old keeper stepped up admirably after Costa was sidelined with a leg muscle injury sustained in training last week.
Palmeiras, led by their young attacking duo of Vitor Roque and Estevao, soon to be joining Premier League’s Chelsea, were the more threatening side throughout the match, excelling in quick transitions and displaying incisive build-up play. However, Porto’s defence held firm, with Ramos and his backline soaking up pressure.
“The first 60 minutes were short on play. We’ve had many friendlies, but playing behind closed doors isn’t the same as playing with Palmeiras. We competed very well, and we left a mark that we couldn’t give up on,” said Porto coach Martin Anselmi.
Porto, meanwhile, looked to exploit high balls to towering Spanish striker Samu Aghehowa and nearly benefited from a Palmeiras error in the 20th minute.
Felipe Anderson tried to challenge Martim Fernandes with a high ball lifted over Palmeiras´ box but he sliced his header and almost scored an own goal, denied with a brilliant one-handed save by keeper Weverton to avert disaster.
Palmeiras, Brazil’s club champion in 2022 and ‘23, qualified as the 2021 Copa Libertadores winner, while Porto reached the tournament as Europe’s fifth-ranked eligible team over a four-year period.
Palmeiras had a 17-11 advantage in shots and 55.3% possession. Its fans took over a side of the stadium, waving flags and cheering or the entire match.
There is a four-way tie in Group A, which opened with Inter Miami and Al-Ahly’s drawing 0-0, Palmeiras will face 12 -time African champion Al-Ahly on Thursday in East Rutherford and Porto will play Miami the same day in Atlanta.
