June 18, 2025 – Pasadena — In their first match of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, Monterrey and Inter Milan played out a dramatic 1–1 draw at the Rose Bowl. The big surprise? 39-year-old Sergio Ramos gave Monterrey the lead with a powerful header from a set piece in the 25th minute, before Inter’s Lautaro Martínez equalized late in the first half .
Standout Moments
- Goal of the match: Ramos, making his Monterrey debut, rose above the defense to head home Oliver Torres’s corner—earning Man of the Match honors and sparking chants from the Mexico-favoring crowd.
- Inter’s response: Martínez capitalized on a swift free-kick routine delivered by Carlos Augusto in the 42nd minute—capping off a brief spell of dominance by the Champions League runners-up.
- Late tension: Inter pushed hard in the second half, amassing nearly 62% possession, but Monterrey’s disciplined defense and keeper Esteban Andrada kept them at bay. A late chance from Nelson Deossa just missed.
Match Insight
- Venue & attendance: Rose Bowl, Pasadena — about 40,311 fans witnessed the match.
- Coaching firsts: Cristian Chivu debuted as Inter’s coach, while Domènec Torrent helmed Monterrey. Both sides showed tactical maturity and grit.
- Group E context: This draw keeps both teams level atop Group E, alongside River Plate (who beat Urawa Red Diamonds)
What Comes Next?
- Monterrey faces River Plate next—it’s “win or bust” in this three-team race for two knockout spots .
- Inter Milan must bounce back against Urawa, aiming to regain control and momentum.
- Tactical battle: Both coaches displayed disciplined game plans; the next matches should reveal who can switch gears and seal top-two positions in the group.
In summary: A veteran’s moment. A debut party. And a tight test for two global sides. Monterrey’s draw with Inter sets the tone for a thrilling Group E—with historic stakes and star power converging under the California sun.
Information from Reuters’ match report, ESPN’s summary of Club World Cup opener, AP News’ detailed recap, and news reports praising Sergio Ramos’ header was used in this article.
