Monterrey Stand Tall as Ramos Shines in 1–1 Draw with Inter
Sergio Ramos#93 after scoring his iconic header
Match Recap: Monterrey 1–1 Inter Milan
📍 June 17, 2025 – Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, California
In front of over 65,000 fans, Monterrey and Inter Milan battled to a 1–1 draw in Group E of the FIFA Club World Cup. The match was physical, emotional, and full of tactical nuance — with both sides walking away with mixed emotions.
Sergio Ramos#93 Scores the first goal of the game
First Half: Ramos Rolls Back the Years
25th Minute – Goal (Monterrey 1–0): Sergio Ramos, showing he still has world-class instincts at 39, timed his leap perfectly to head home from a pinpoint corner by Óliver Torres. The goal sent Monterrey fans into a frenzy and stunned Inter, who had been dominating possession up until that point.
Monterrey, well organized under manager Fernando Ortiz, absorbed early pressure and struck on a set piece — a known weakness for Inter this season.
42nd Minute – Goal (1–1): Inter found their equalizer just before halftime. Kristjan Asllani floated a quick free-kick to Carlos Augusto, who curled in a teasing ball. Lautaro Martínez made a well-timed run to slot it past Esteban Andrada. It was Lautaro’s first Club World Cup goal, and a much-needed boost for Inter’s rhythm.
Guzman#4 Tackling Barella #22 to win possession back
Second Half: Inter Push, Monterrey Hold
Inter Milan boss Cristian Chivu, managing his first competitive match, encouraged his side to play through the middle. Nicolò Barella and Mkhitaryan dictated tempo but struggled to penetrate Monterrey’s low block.
Key Chances:
Lautaro Martínez had a chance to score again on a one-on-one but was denied by Andrada.
Inter subbed in Frattesi and Dumfries to try and stretch the field, but Monterrey closed space intelligently.
Monterrey sat deeper, focused on frustrating Inter. Gerardo Arteaga and Guzman supported Ramos to keep the defensive shape tight.
Nelson Deossa#6 shoots on wide from inside the box
Late Game Drama
90+3’ – Monterrey Nearly Wins It: Colombian midfielder Nelson Deossa created space with a cut inside and blasted a shot from inside of the box — but it went inches wide. The entire Rose Bowl held its breath.
Inter’s last-minute corner was cleared by Ramos, and the final whistle blew shortly after.
Lautaro Scored the tie for Inter Milan
Key Players
Sergio Ramos (Monterrey)
Commanded the back line with authority
Scored the opening goal — his fourth all-time in the Club World Cup
Led by example in a high-pressure environment
Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan)
Took his goal well and remained Inter’s most threatening attacker
Wore the captain’s armband and led with urgency
Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Controlled possession for Inter
Showed intelligence and experience, especially under pressure
Esteban Andrada (Monterrey GK)
Made four crucial saves
His calm distribution helped Monterrey play out of tight situations
What’s Next
Monterrey vs River Plate – June 23, Rose Bowl
A must-win game if Monterrey wants to top the group
Inter Milan vs Urawa Reds – June 23, Seattle
Chivu’s men must bounce back with a win to stay in control of their fate
Post-Match Reactions
Sergio Ramos (Monterrey):
"I've played in every stadium, every competition, but doing it here in front of passionate fans again — it never gets old. We earned this point."
Cristian Chivu (Inter Coach):
"We played well for long stretches, but we have to be sharper in the final third. Monterrey defended well, credit to them."
Final Thoughts
Monterrey showed grit, leadership, and sharp tactics. Sergio Ramos continues to defy age with elite performances on the global stage. Inter Milan looked technically sound but lacked a cutting edge when it mattered. With two tough fixtures ahead, Group E remains wide open.