Both teams missed early chances to score, as Joao Mario got in behind and shot towards goal, but Weverton was equal to it. Moments later, Palmeiras’ high press caused Porto problems as the ball fell to Estêvão on the edge of the box, but the teenage prodigy curled just wide.
Weverton then made two further saves, first preventing his teammate Felipe Anderson from diverting a header into his own net, before tipping Samu Aghehowa’s effort away from a tight angle.
There was drama down the other end in stoppage time as Claudio Ramos produced a stunning double save to deny Richard Rios and Mauricio from close range, before the former’s second shot was cleared off the line.
In light of the chances for both sides, it was a surprise to see this one scoreless at the break - especially after Porto had seen none of their previous 11 competitive games produce a 0-0 halftime scoreline.
The start of the second half was also lively, as Fabio Vieira drove forward before curling towards the bottom corner, but Weverton did well to tip the ball past the post.
Ze Pedro then had a free header from a corner, and should have done better as the ball flew over. Both teams made changes to try and find a winner, and Allan came close as he cut inside before striking towards the bottom corner, with Ramos getting down well to stop it.
Palmeiras were the team pushing the most in the closing stages, as Ramos produced another brilliant reaction save to stop Murilo Cerqueira’s powerful header from a corner.
However, the Brazilians had to settle for a point, with manager Abel Ferreira’s winless head-to-head record against Porto stretching to seven games.
The Portuguese side’s own three-match winning run came to an end. But given how the match ended, they will perhaps be content with a point themselves.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Claudio Ramos (FC Porto)
_______________________________________________
Sponsored:
FIFA Club World Cup - Every Game Free, exclusively on DAZN.
Sign up here to start streaming.
_______________________________________________