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Inter Milan and Monterrey Progress to Club World Cup Last 16 as River Plate and Urawa Exit

Dortmund topped Group F with a narrow win, setting up a mouthwatering clash against the Mexican giants. The latest results also spelled the end of the road for Argentine club River Plate and Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds, both of whom exited the tournament with disappointment.

Inter Outclass Nine-Man River Plate in Seattle Showdown

Inter Milan demonstrated composure and tactical discipline in a heated match against Argentine giants River Plate, coming away with a 2-0 victory in front of a boisterous 45,000-strong crowd at Lumen Field in Seattle.

The match proved to be a high-stakes encounter from the start, with River Plate playing aggressively in a bid to secure qualification. However, their chances unraveled when Lucas Martinez was shown a straight red card in the 66th minute for a reckless challenge on veteran Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Moments later, 19-year-old Francesco Esposito capitalized on the numerical advantage, coolly finishing his first goal for Inter and putting the Italian side ahead. Alessandro Bastoni later sealed the win with a drilled finish, ensuring Christian Chivu’s squad advanced in style.

River Plate’s evening worsened when Gonzalo Montiel was dismissed after picking up a second yellow card, reducing the South American side to nine men. The match ended in controversy, with River fans hurling objects at Inter players as they exited the pitch.

Despite passionate support from their travelling fans, River Plate and their archrivals Boca Juniors were both eliminated from the tournament, failing to replicate their domestic success on the international stage.

“We didn’t deliver for the fans who showed up in great numbers,” River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo said post-match. “It’s a painful exit, especially with how well our supporters backed us.”

Monterrey Dominate Urawa in Ruthless Display

At the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Mexican side Monterrey delivered an emphatic statement with a 4-0 demolition of Urawa Red Diamonds, a result that guaranteed their qualification and set up a blockbuster clash with Borussia Dortmund in the round of 16.

Monterrey were dominant from the opening whistle, netting three goals in just nine first-half minutes to bury the contest early. Nelson Deossa opened the scoring with a thunderous long-range effort, followed by German Berterame, who finished at the far post to double the lead.

Former FC Porto and Sevilla winger Jesus “Tecatito” Corona then added a third with a sensational strike from over 30 yards out, showcasing Monterrey’s attacking firepower. Berterame capped off the night with his second goal late in the match.

“This is exactly what we’ve worked for,” said Berterame. “Every match has been tough, but we’ve stayed focused and it’s paid off.”

Urawa exit the competition without a single win, having lost all three of their group matches. Despite their poor showing, coach Maciej Skorża praised his players’ effort but acknowledged the team was outmatched at this level.

Dortmund Edge Ulsan to Top Group F

Borussia Dortmund secured top spot in Group F with a hard-fought 1-0 win over South Korean side Ulsan HD. The result ensured the German giants finished above Brazilian side Fluminense, who drew 0-0 with Mamelodi Sundowns.

Dortmund’s disciplined performance was capped off by a solitary goal that maintained their perfect record in the group stage. The result set up an enticing round-of-16 meeting with Monterrey, scheduled to take place in Atlanta on Tuesday.

Fluminense Advance, River and Boca Eliminated

While Fluminense could only manage a goalless draw against Mamelodi Sundowns, the single point was enough to see them progress behind Dortmund from Group F. The Brazilian club will now face Inter Milan on Monday in Charlotte.

Both River Plate and Boca Juniors — two of South America’s most historic football institutions — crashed out of the tournament early, unable to convert fan enthusiasm into results on the field.

Upcoming Fixtures: European Powerhouses Set to Clash

Attention now turns to Thursday’s high-stakes matchups, with Manchester City set to take on Juventus in a decisive battle for supremacy in Group G. Both teams have looked strong in previous matches, and the winner will top the group heading into the knockout rounds.

In Group H, Real Madrid face RB Salzburg in a must-win match for the Spanish side. Madrid, always considered strong contenders, need a victory to guarantee their advancement in what has become a tightly contested group.

The Road Ahead

As the Club World Cup enters its knockout phase, several top-tier matchups are already generating global buzz. Inter’s tactical depth will be tested by Fluminense’s creativity, while Dortmund’s youth and energy face a resolute Monterrey side full of momentum.

With Manchester City, Juventus, and Real Madrid still to complete their group assignments, the tournament promises more drama in the coming days. The event has not only showcased emerging talents like Esposito but also highlighted how quickly momentum can shift, especially in tournament football.