Super Eagles left-back, Zaidu Sanusi, was notably absent from the pitch as FC Porto played out a goalless stalemate against Palmeiras in their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup opener at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on Sunday.
The Nigerian defender, recently back in the squad after an injury layoff that kept him out for over eight months, was named among the substitutes but did not feature in the match.
Both Porto and Palmeiras created chances to snatch a win. Porto’s goalkeeper Claudio Ramos pulled off a crucial double save during first-half added time, only for Francisco Moura to then clear off the line.
Ze Pedro, playing in central defence for the Portuguese side, missed a golden opportunity when he failed to convert a header from six yards.
Late in the game, Palmeiras came close as Murilo’s header rattled the post.
There was added intrigue off the pitch too, Chelsea fans got a look at their rising star, teenage sensation Estevao, while a surprise sighting of Cristiano Ronaldo in the MetLife Stadium parking lot caught the attention of spectators.
With neither team finding the net, the group remains wide open. The draw follows a tightly contested match between Inter Miami, featuring Lionel Messi, and Egyptian giants Al Ahly, which also ended without a goal.
Both sides had moments of control and carved out opportunities, but neither managed a breakthrough.
At this stage, unless Messi can produce something extraordinary, Palmeiras and Porto may have already tackled their toughest group opponents.
Porto will now turn their focus to a clash with Inter Miami in Atlanta, while Palmeiras are set to meet Al Ahly again at the MetLife Stadium.