Palmeiras v Porto match preview
Reigning Brazilian champions Palmeiras might see a meeting with Portuguese opponents as a good omen when they begin their 2025 Fifa Club World Cup schedule against Porto in New Jersey on Sunday.
The first Brazilian representatives to win a version of the competition – then known as the Intercontinental Cup – did so against Benfica in 1962, when Pele scored two of Santos’ goals in a 3-2 victory at the Maracana.
Only Spain’s total of 13 titles in the two tournaments eclipses the 10 triumphs accounted for by Brazil, who are also represented by Botafogo, Flamengo and Fluminense in the US this time around.
Portuguese boss Abel Ferreira’s side are three points off the pace in the Brazilian top flight after 11 games of the season, and midfielder Mauricio believes Palmeiras could have an advantage over teams who are “worn out” after the end of their domestic schedules.
“This could be a positive factor for Brazilian teams,” said the 23-year-old. “We always want to show that we have a very high level.
“Abel demands a lot from us and we demand a lot from each one of us. You can see that our training sessions are very intense, very competitive. There is a lot of competition between players.”
Porto completed their mixed season almost a month ago, finishing third for a second consecutive year in the Primeira Liga to qualify again for the Europa League, in which they failed to make the knockout stage in 2024/25.
Argentinian Martin Anselmi replaced Vitor Bruno in manager in January after the club ended his predecessor’s six-month reign.
“We are talking about two truly big clubs,” centre-back Ze Pedro told Porto’s website. “We will approach it with the utmost respect, but we want to win.
“The feeling has been very good. The group has responded very well to what the coach has asked of us.
“We always look for victory because that’s what we are made of and that’s what we live for. We have to honour Porto’s history.”
Palmeiras v Porto team news
Gustavo Gomez, Luiz Benedetti, Joaquin Piquerez, Emiliano Martinez, Richard Rios, Facundo Torres, Estevao and Luighi had their “load controlled” during Palmeiras training after joining the squad late, according to Globo.
The outlet reported that Gomez, Benedetti and Rios were “the most worn out” and did not take part in “work focused on defensive organisation and counterattacks”.
Goalkeepers Samuel Portugal and Goncalo Ribeiro have been late additions to Porto’s squad after Diogo Costa missed part of training with muscle discomfort in the first-choice number one’s right thigh.
Fabio Vieira is eligible after spending last season on loan at the Estadio do Dragao from Arsenal, while fellow midfielder Marko Grujic has been out since September with a heel issue.
Palmeiras v Porto expected line-ups
Palmeiras starting XI: Lomba; Rocha, Fuchs, Micael, Vanderlan; Rios, Moreno; Estevao, Veiga, Mauricio; Roque
Porto starting XI: Ramos; Perez, Ze Pedro, Marcano; Mario, Eustaquio, Vieira, Moura; Pepe, Aghehowa, Mora
How to watch Palmeiras v Porto: Live stream, TV channel
Kick-off on Sunday is at 23:00 BST, with live coverage on DAZN.
DAZN subscribers or Freemium member can tune in as part of their existing membership, while non-subscribers can register for a free account to start watching.
Fans can watch on the go via the DAZN App on smart TVs, phones, tablets, games consoles and streaming devices.
