By Sachit Subba • Football • Jun 26, 2025 04:00 AM • 36 views
Inter Milan left it late but ultimately proved too strong for the ten-man River Plate, snatching a 2-0 victory at Lumen Field to top Group E and advance to the knockout stages of the Club World Cup. The Italians now prepare for a high-stakes clash against Brazil's Fluminense in Charlotte on Monday, while River Plate bowed out of the tournament earlier than expected. It was a match that simmered before boiling over. River Plate, chasing their first win after an opening draw, matched Inter stride for stride until disaster struck in the 65th minute. Lucas Martínez Quarta was shown a straight red for bringing down Henrikh Mkhitaryan as the last defender—a pivotal moment that tipped the balance firmly in the Nerazzurri's favour.
Seven minutes later, Inter capitalized. Sebastiano Esposito, the 21-year-old forward often overshadowed by more senior names, found space on the right and slotted home with composure beyond his years, sending the Inter supporters into raptures and River into despair.
As the clock ticked down and River's frustrations boiled over, chaos ensued. Defender Gonzalo Montiel, already on a booking, was shown a second yellow following a heated exchange in stoppage time, reducing River to nine. Inter, ever the professionals, took full advantage of the situation. Centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, up for a corner, bundled home a second goal in the dying seconds to put the result beyond doubt.
River Plate, who began the tournament with lofty ambitions, exited with just a point and plenty of regrets. Marcelo Gallardo's side looked capable early on, but ill-discipline and a lack of cutting edge proved fatal.
For Inter, it's business as usual. Simone Inzaghi's men showed maturity, patience, and a clinical streak when it mattered most. With Monterrey edging out Urawa Red Diamonds 4-0 elsewhere, the Italians finish top of Group E, leaving the Mexicans to settle for second place.
The round of 16 beckons and Inter will need every ounce of grit and guile as they face a Fluminense side full of Brazilian flair and momentum. But for now, the black and blue march on—with their eyes firmly set on the crown.
