EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Palmeiras and Porto opened their Club World Cup campaigns with a goalless draw at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, in a match defined by one man: Cláudio Ramos.
The Portuguese goalkeeper, filling in for injured captain Diogo Costa, delivered a brilliant performance between the posts to earn Porto a crucial point against a dominant Palmeiras side. Ramos’ reflexes and composure under pressure proved pivotal, especially as Palmeiras created—and squandered—numerous clear-cut chances.
The Brazilian side came closest in the dying minutes when Murilo’s header smacked against the post, the latest in a string of near-misses that left manager Abel Ferreira visibly frustrated.
“We controlled the game and created the best chances,” Ferreira told DAZN post-match. “But sometimes football comes down to a goalkeeper having the game of his life—and that’s exactly what happened today. Ramos was outstanding.”
Indeed, Ramos had his finest moment just before halftime, producing three spectacular saves in quick succession. Estevao and Mauricio were both denied from close range, and when Richard Rios pounced on the rebound, a Porto defender raced in to clear the ball off the line, preserving the deadlock.
Despite the draw, Palmeiras impressed with their dynamic attack led by young stars Vitor Roque and Estevao—both expected to join Chelsea next season. Their speed and sharp link-up play consistently troubled Porto’s backline, though the final touch eluded them.
Porto, meanwhile, were content to play more conservatively, opting for long balls to target striker Samu Aghehowa. They nearly capitalized on a Palmeiras defensive miscue in the 20th minute when Felipe Anderson’s mistimed header toward his own net forced a brilliant save from Weverton.
With both teams taking a point, and Saturday’s 0-0 draw between Inter Miami and Al Ahly leaving Group A perfectly balanced, Thursday’s second round of fixtures will be decisive. Palmeiras will face Al Ahly, while Porto go up against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.
Group A Standings (after Matchday 1):
🔹 Palmeiras – 1 pt
🔹 Porto – 1 pt
🔹 Inter Miami – 1 pt
🔹 Al Ahly – 1 pt
The race to the semifinals is wide open.
