By Sachit Subba • Football • Jun 18, 2025 04:51 AM • 91 views
The Club World Cup is often seen as a proving ground for continental giants, but in the California heat of Pasadena, Mexican side Monterrey reminded everyone that pedigree doesn't guarantee supremacy.
In a match that promised fireworks but delivered a more measured affair, UEFA Champions League finalists Inter Milan were held to a 1-1 draw by Monterrey in their Group E opener at the historic Rose Bowl. The Italians dominated possession but were pegged back by a disciplined, fearless Monterrey unit—one that looked more inspired than intimidated.
Veteran Spanish defender Sergio Ramos, now 39 but still commanding in the air, gave Monterrey a surprise lead in the 25th minute. Rising high above two Inter defenders, Ramos powered a thunderous header into the net from a corner, stunning the Inter backline and injecting life into the sparse but spirited Mexican fan base.
Inter responded with urgency but lacked ruthlessness in the final third—an issue newly-appointed manager Cristian Chivu will have to address quickly. The equalizer finally came in the 42nd minute when Kristjan Asllani floated a teasing free-kick into the box. Carlos Augusto smartly redirected it across the goal, where captain Lautaro MartĂnez had the simplest of finishes.
The rest of the match saw half-chances and tactical chess rather than end-to-end drama, though Nelson Deossa nearly stole the spotlight deep into stoppage time. The Colombian midfielder beat his marker on a counter but could only find the side netting—his anguish matched by the gasps of Monterrey's coaching staff.
"We should've taken more of our chances," admitted Inter midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan post-match. "This is a new competition with new challenges. Teams are hungry, and we need to match that intensity."
It was an essential debut for both benches. Chivu, thrown into the fire after Simone Inzaghi's abrupt departure following a humiliating 5-0 UCL final loss to PSG, showed glimpses of tactical acumen but saw his side struggle to break down a compact Monterrey block. Across the technical area, Domenec Torrent, the ex-Man City assistant now leading Monterrey, looked calm and calculated as his team executed a clear game plan with discipline.
Still, the atmosphere at the Rose Bowl was subdued. On a sweltering California afternoon, the iconic stadium bore the scars of low ticket demand—vast sections of the stands lay empty, a disappointing backdrop for a fixture featuring European royalty.
What's Next?
The group stage tightens with both sides returning to action on Saturday. Monterrey stayed in Pasadena to face River Plate, who had earlier dispatched Japan's Urawa Reds 3-1. Inter, meanwhile, travel north to Seattle, where the unpredictable Urawa Reds await. With only two teams advancing from the group, Saturday's matches could already prove decisive. For Inter Milan, anything less than three points could spell early disaster. For Monterrey, the belief is growing—they've bloodied a European heavyweight, and now they'll look to land a knockout blow.
