Stalemate in the States: Claudio Ramos the Hero as Palmeiras Held by Resolute Porto in Club World Cup Opener
By Sachit Subba • Football • Jun 16, 2025 03:34 AM • 112 views
In a cagey Group A curtain-raiser at the FIFA Club World Cup, Brazilian giants Palmeiras were left to rue a litany of missed chances as they were held to a goalless draw by a resilient FC Porto side, inspired by a masterclass from second-choice goalkeeper Claudio Ramos. Under the floodlights at MetLife Stadium, all eyes were on Palmeiras' youthful attacking stars Vitor Roque and Estevão, but it was the 32-year-old Ramos who stole the spotlight, deputizing in style for injured captain Diogo Costa. His acrobatic reflexes and sheer defiance between the posts earned Porto a crucial point — and ensured the Group A table remained deadlocked after Inter Miami and Al Ahly also shared the spoils in a 0-0 draw the day before.
A Brazilian Storm, a Portuguese Wall
Palmeiras bossed possession and dictated the tempo, particularly in the first half, with their high-intensity pressing and rapid transitions stretching Porto's lines. Yet, time and again, they were denied by Ramos — who turned in a performance for the ages.
His defining moment came in the dying seconds of the first half when he pulled off an extraordinary triple save. First, he beat away Estevão's powerful drive, then smothered Mauricio's rebound before watching a third attempt from Richard Rios get cleared off the line by defender Otávio. It was a breathtaking sequence that underscored Porto's backs-to-the-wall resilience.
"The best player on the pitch? Their substitute goalkeeper, without a doubt," said Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira in a post-match interview with media. "We created enough to win, but sometimes football writes a different script."
Missed Margins
Palmeiras' closest moment to breaking the deadlock came in the 89th minute when defender Murilo rose highest at a corner, only to see his bullet header cannon off the woodwork. It was that kind of night for the Copa Libertadores champions, whose 12 attempts at goal yielded nothing but frustration. Porto, meanwhile, offered sporadic threats — primarily through aerial balls directed at towering Spanish forward Samu Aghehowa. They almost capitalized on a Palmeiras defensive lapse in the 20th minute when Felipe Anderson misjudged a clearance and nearly headed into his own net. Goalkeeper Weverton was alert, diving full-stretch to claw the ball away.
Group A on a Knife's Edge
With all four teams tied on one point, Group A is finely poised heading into Thursday's double-header. Palmeiras will face African powerhouse Al Ahly, while Porto square off against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami. Palmeiras may take confidence from their dominance, but they'll need sharper finishing. For Porto, who were forced into a late reshuffle due to Costa's injury in training, Ramos' performance not only steadied the ship — it might just have reshaped their tournament fortunes. If this match was any indication, the road to Club World Cup glory would be paved not only by stars up front — but by the unexpected heroes at the back. And on Sunday night in New Jersey, Claudio Ramos was precisely that.
