Porto’s second-choice goalkeeper Cláudio Ramos delivered a remarkable performance to help his side secure a 0-0 draw against Brazil’s Palmeiras in their FIFA Club World Cup Group A clash on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
With regular captain Diogo Costa unavailable due to a training injury, Ramos stepped into the starting lineup and played a vital role, making a series of crucial saves throughout the contest. Palmeiras had the better of the game in terms of possession and chances, but were left frustrated by the Portuguese keeper’s sharp reflexes and resilience.
The most dramatic sequence came just before halftime when Ramos stopped two close-range efforts and watched as a third was cleared off the line by a teammate, preserving the clean sheet.
Palmeiras pushed hard for a winner late in the match and came agonizingly close when Murilo’s header struck the post. Despite creating more opportunities, the Brazilian side could not convert their pressure into goals.
After the final whistle, Palmeiras head coach Abel Ferreira praised his team’s display but acknowledged Ramos’ influence:
“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 told DAZN.
The draw means that all four teams in Group A — Porto, Palmeiras, Inter Miami, and Al Ahly — are currently tied on one point. Inter Miami and Al Ahly also finished 0-0 in their opening fixture.
Porto’s best attacking moment came in the first half, when a misdirected header from Palmeiras defender Felipe Anderson nearly ended up in his own net, forcing a quick-reaction save from goalkeeper Weverton.
Palmeiras were led in attack by young talents Estevão and Vitor Roque, both set to join Chelsea in the Premier League. Despite some promising build-up play and swift counterattacks, they were unable to find the breakthrough.
The group remains wide open heading into Thursday’s fixtures, when Palmeiras will face Al Ahly and Porto will go up against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.