Jun, 18 2025
Drama in Pasadena: Club World Cup Clash Ends All Square
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup group stage launched with a fierce showdown between Inter Milan and Monterrey, drawing thousands to the Rose Bowl in California. After weeks spent licking their wounds from a crushing 5-0 defeat to PSG in the Champions League final, Inter Milan faced their Mexican opponents with something to prove. But with lineups shuffled and coaching debut nerves in the air, both sides walked away with just a point after 90 minutes of emotional football.
The crowd—heavily favoring Monterrey thanks to California’s large Mexican community—erupted early when veteran defender Sergio Ramos soared above Inter’s backline to plant a precise header into the net. Monterrey’s new coach, Domènec Torrent, was animated on the touchline, clearly delighted as his team executed their first-half plan. Ramos, whose leadership was clear at both ends, didn’t just score—he marshaled Monterrey’s defense, frustrating Inter’s usually deadly forwards time and again.
Inter, meanwhile, sought redemption. With Champions League disappointment still fresh, and Cristian Chivu making his coaching debut after Simone Inzaghi’s departure, there was pressure to deliver a statement. But as minutes ticked by, Inter dominated possession—over 62% in fact—without ever truly slicing open Monterrey’s defensive wall. The Italians looked sharp in flashes, especially through Carlos Augusto down the left, who played a big part in the equalizer just before halftime. Lautaro Martínez, picking up where he left off last season, pounced on Augusto’s clever set-piece flick to level the score with a clinical finish right in front of the goalmouth.
Missed Opportunities and Tactical Shake-Ups
The second half unfolded like a chess match. Monterrey stayed compact and waited for mistakes, while Inter pressed forward. Chivu tried to shake things up, pulling off Sebastiano Esposito—making his first start for Inter since 2020—and bringing on Marcus Thuram. Thuram looked hungry, but Monterrey’s defenders, led by Ramos and a disciplined back line, denied him any clear sights at goal.
Inter thought they’d nudged ahead when Martínez poked the ball home once more, but the flag went up—offside. The VAR check was brief; frustration for Inter, relief for Monterrey. As the clock ran down, both sides traded sudden bursts in search of a winner. Goals seemed likely but at the final whistle, it was still locked at 1-1. Chivu’s debut showed positives—creative movement, loads of possession—but the wastefulness in the box haunted them again, echoing that Champions League nightmare.
For Monterrey, the result was more than just a draw. With a new coach on board, the Mexican side showed grit, unity, and flashes of flair, suggesting they won’t be easy pickings as the group stage grinds on. Ramos’ performance, both as a goalscorer and defensive anchor, gave the fans plenty to cheer about.
This result leaves both teams in a delicate spot in the group. Inter controlled the game but couldn’t finish; Monterrey weathered the storm and grabbed their chances. The stage is set for a nervy conclusion to the group, with both sides knowing just how fine the margins will be in this year’s FIFA Club World Cup.