Inter Milan Triumphs Over River Plate in FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Inter Milan defeated River Plate 2-0 in an exciting Group E meeting of Matchday 3 in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, played at Lumen Field, Seattle, beating their Argentine rivals out of the cup. The game, which was eventful and characterized by a decisive red card, saw the Inter Milan move to the Round of 16.

The first half was goalless as both teams showed defensive strength. Coached by Marcelo Gallardo, River Plate dominated the game with precision passing, but Inter manages to contain them through a well-coordinated defense line, led by Alessandro Bastoni and Francesco Acerbi, and cutting down the influence of Franco Mastantuono and Miguel Borja. Lautaro Martinez of Inter went close to breaking the deadlock when his whipped cross almost beat the defense of River.

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The game reached its turning point when river plate Martinez Quarta was given a red card in the 66th minute leaving his team with ten men. Six minutes later, Inter took advantage of the numbers finding the opener in Francesco Pio Esposito scoring an eponymous goal that got the attack in Nerazzurri kick started. With River trying to get an equalizer, the Inter defense stood firm and opportunities were made by the precise passes by Nicolo Barella.

Late in stoppage time Alessandro Bastoni scored a sublime goal, and ended the knockout run of River Plate making Inter Milan advance into the knockout phase. The closing whistle resulted in heated arguments, seeing that this was a showdown game. Inter prevailed with their strict organization, and the number of chances created by Barella (seven) and clinicalism of Martinez played a crucial role.

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Having won their opening match 3-1 against Urawa Red Diamonds and drawing Monterrey 0-0, River Plate were unable to beat the tactical advantage of the Inter defence and defeat the loss of a crucial player. In the meantime, Monterrey was thumping Urawa Reds 4-0 and this secured their passage into the next round together with Inter.