Claudio Ramos shines under pressure in draw between Palmeiras and Porto

Palmeiras and FC Porto played to a goalless stalemate in their opening Group A clash at the FIFA Club World Cup (CWC), marking their first-ever competitive encounter.

Both sides squandered early opportunities to find the net. Joao Mario got behind the defence and aimed for goal, only to be denied by a competent Weverton. Shortly after, Palmeiras’ high pressing game caused issues for Porto, with the ball falling to Estêvão on the edge of the area, but the young talent’s curling effort went just wide of the target.

Weverton continued to excel, making two more vital saves; first, he prevented Felipe Anderson from accidentally directing a header into his own goal, then he expertly tipped Samu Aghehowa’s shot away from a tricky angle.

Stoppage time brought further excitement, as Claudio Ramos pulled off an extraordinary double save to thwart Richard Rios and Mauricio from close range, with Rios’ follow-up shot somehow cleared off the line.

Given the quality of chances on both sides, it was unexpected to see the score still locked at 0-0 by the break, especially considering Porto hadn’t registered a halftime scoreless draw in their last 11 competitive outings.

The second half began with more intensity, as Fabio Vieira surged forward and curled a shot towards the bottom corner, but Weverton was alert and managed to tip the ball past the upright.

Ze Pedro had a golden opportunity with a free header from a corner but failed to make proper contact, sending the ball sailing over the crossbar. As both teams sought a winner with substitutions, Allan came close, cutting inside and aiming for the bottom corner, only for Ramos to dive and make a crucial save.

In the closing moments, it was Palmeiras who looked most likely to score, as Ramos again showcased his remarkable reflexes to deny Murilo Cerqueira’s powerful header from a corner.

Ultimately, the Brazilians had to settle for a share of the spoils, while coach Abel Ferreira’s winless streak against Porto extended to seven matches.

Porto’s own three-match winning streak was halted, but considering how the match unfolded, they may also be content with a point.

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