Palmeiras, Porto Begin Club World Cup Journey with Tense 0-0 Draw
Fans expecting fireworks at MetLife Stadium got an old-fashioned chess match instead. Palmeiras and Porto kicked off their FIFA Club World Cup campaigns in New Jersey with a goalless battle that left plenty to chew on—if not a single goal to celebrate. It was a night defined by stubborn defending, missed opportunities, and the unlikely heroics of a backup goalkeeper.
The crowd in East Rutherford was ready for a spectacle, but neither side could fully deliver, despite the energy from the stands. Palmeiras brought intensity and sharp passing, piling up possession and pinning Porto’s backline deep. But one man made sure nothing slipped through. Cláudio Ramos, Porto’s substitute keeper, stepped up after an injury to the usual starter and delivered a masterclass. Diving at full stretch, smothering close-range shots, and clawing away a pair of late efforts—including a thumping header from Murilo that rattled the upright—he kept the game level where most would have already surrendered.
Manager Abel Ferreira cut a frustrated but proud figure post-match. He praised his squad’s work rate and creativity but couldn’t hide his admiration for Ramos, simply calling him “their best player tonight.” Palmeiras created enough chances to win twice over, but Ramos stood tall—a reminder that sometimes goalkeepers can flip a script all by themselves. The moment Murilo’s header struck the post in the dying minutes just about summed it up: so close, but still scoreless.
What Does This Draw Mean for Group A?
Group A in this expanded Club World Cup is looking like anyone’s game. Earlier the same day, Inter Miami and Egyptian giants Al Ahly also scrapped their way to a 0-0 tie. That leaves all four teams knotted on one point after the first round, keeping every scenario on the table for the second set of matches. With just three group games, there’s little margin for error—every miss and every save now matters twice as much.
DAZN streamed the match globally and made a field day of the tactical intrigue. Their panel dug into Porto’s decision to defend deep and counter quickly, while breaking down Ferreira’s persistent faith in his forwards. Viewers got extended looks at not just the saves and shots, but also the off-the-ball movement and bench reactions as the drama unfolded. Post-game interviews brought extra flavor: Porto’s camp celebrated the point—“earned, not gifted,” according to their coaches—while Palmeiras’ players promised sharper finishing in the next round.
With two more group games left and margins razor-thin, both Palmeiras and Porto head into their next fixtures knowing just how slim the difference might be between advancing and packing up early. Next up, they face Inter Miami and Al Ahly, with all eyes on whether anyone in Group A can actually break the deadlock. In New Jersey, goalkeepers and defenses called the shots—at least for tonight.
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