Brazilian champions Palmeiras and two-time European titleholders Porto settled for a 0-0 draw in their opening Group A fixture of the Club World Cup on Sunday night at MetLife Stadium, which drew a crowd of 46,275 – just over half of the venue’s capacity.

Palmeiras nearly broke the deadlock during first-half stoppage time when Estevão’s left-footed effort was comfortably gathered by Porto goalkeeper Claúdio Ramos. Richard Ríos tried to convert the rebound, but his shot was blocked.

Palmeiras entered the tournament as the 2021 Copa Libertadores winner and back-to-back Brazilian champions in 2022 and 2023. Porto qualified as Europe’s fifth-best team over the last four-year cycle.

Statistically, Palmeiras had the upper hand with 17 shots to Porto’s 11 and controlled 55.3% of the possession. Their supporters dominated one side of the stands, waving flags and chanting throughout the match.

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Key Moment
The standout moment came in first-half added time when Ramos made a crucial double save to deny Palmeiras.

Group A Update
The result leaves all four teams in Group A level on points after Inter Miami and Al Ahly also played out a 0-0 draw on Saturday. Palmeiras are set to take on 12-time African champions Al Ahly in East Rutherford on Thursday, while Porto will face Inter Miami in Atlanta the same day.

Post-Match Reactions

Porto head coach Martin Anselmi said, “The opening 60 minutes lacked rhythm. We've played many friendlies behind closed doors, but facing Palmeiras in front of a crowd is a different challenge. Still, we showed resilience and didn’t give up.”

Palmeiras boss Abel Ferreira acknowledged Porto’s chances but remained confident in his squad. “Porto had one or two moments, and sometimes the most aggressive side doesn’t win. I wish we had played the full 90 like we did in the final 15. But we have a capable and youthful squad – our attacking line is especially young.”