Mexico and Portugal Play Out Goalless Draw in Azteca Reopening Friendly
Mexico's defense held firm, securing a 0-0 draw against Portugal in a friendly match marking the Estadio Azteca's reopening ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Portugal dominated possession but couldn't break Mexico's defense, with Joao Felix and Goncalo Ramos missing scoring opportunities.
The match served as a test event for the renovated stadium, with Mexico's defense anchoring a 0-0 draw against Portugal...
Mexico kept a 10th clean sheet in 15 internationals as their defense held Portugal to a scoreless draw at the Estadio Azteca in a friendly.
Portugal threatened early, with Joao Felix's half-volley looping onto the crossbar, and Goncalo Ramos came close to scoring before halftime, curling the ball just wide. Mexico grew in confidence as the game went on, with Obed Vargas striking just wide and Rui Silva making a crucial save on Israel Reyes' shot.
Samu Costa tried his luck from distance, but Raul Rangel was equal to it as Mexico maintained their impressive defensive record. They've conceded just three first-half goals in their last 17 games.
Both teams had further chances to score early in the second half. Bruno Fernandes fired just over from the edge, while Roberto Alvarado curled narrowly over the bar from a similar spot. Substitute Renato Veiga also headed over from a free-kick, but the goalless stalemate persisted.
Mexico's Armando Gonzalez headed wide at the far post in the final stages, a glaring miss as he really should've scored.
Joao Cancelo also headed off target, leaving Portugal frustrated in their World Cup prep. The 0-0 draw leaves questions about their attacking potency.
Portugal stretched their unbeaten head-to-head run against Mexico to six meetings (W3, D3), but Mexico will take the draw as a positive result.
The hosts continue prepping for the tournament, where they'll face South Africa in the opening match at the Estadio Azteca.
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