The match between Inter Milan and River Plate at Lumen Field (Seattle) is decisive for both teams. Inter Milan only needs a draw to advance, while River Plate must win to decide their own fate.
Both Inter Milan and River Plate are determined to earn points
Both teams played with clear tactical intentions, creating a fairly balanced game in the first 45 minutes. Inter Milan dominated possession thanks to an extremely dynamic midfield with the quartet of Aslani, Dumfries, Barella and Mkhitaryan, while River Plate actively played deep, waiting for the opportunity to counterattack with the speed of Colidio and Mastantuono. However, during the first 45 minutes, neither side created any truly dangerous opportunities.
Mkhitaryan was fouled, River Plate lost a player from minute 66
The turning point came in the 66th minute, when River Plate centre-back Lucas Martínez Quarta was sent off for a foul on Henrikh Mkhitaryan in an attempt to stop the Armenian midfielder from getting one-on-one with the goalkeeper. The red card left River Plate 10-11 for the final 20 minutes.
Francesco Esposito (94) opened the scoring for Inter Milan
Inter Milan immediately took advantage of their numerical advantage. In the 72nd minute, Francesco Esposito broke the offside trap to receive a through ball from Petar Sucic, swooped down and coolly defeated goalkeeper Armani in a one-on-one, opening the score for the blue-black team. The turning point goal helped Inter relieve pressure and play more confidently in the remaining minutes.
As River pushed forward to find an equalizer, Inter unleashed the finishing blow. In the 90+2 minute, center-back Alessandro Bastoni unexpectedly joined in a quick counterattack. He dribbled past four River defenders, handled the ball neatly in three moves, then fired a low shot, sealing a 2-0 victory for Inter Milan.
Alessandro Bastoni scores like a real striker
With 7 points after three matches, Inter Milan won the top spot in Group E, along with a direct ticket to the knockout round of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. River Plate, meanwhile, dropped to third place and followed compatriot Boca Juniors home early, because in the match taking place at the same time, Monterrey (Mexico) beat Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) with a score of 4-0 and took second place in the group.
Final ranking of group E
Inter Milan will meet Fluminense (second in Group F) in the knockout round while Monterrey wait to face Dortmund (first in Group F) for a ticket to the quarter-finals.
Thus, the group stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has not ended yet, but the number of South American and European teams has decreased, with Porto, Atletico Madrid, Boca Juniors and River Plate having to say goodbye to the tournament early.
Post-match statement:
Coach Cristian Chivu (Inter Milan): "We showed the necessary character and composure. The players maintained tactical discipline and took advantage of opportunities very well. Bastoni had an extraordinary goal."
Coach Marcelo Gallardo (River Plate): "We had a good game until we had to play with one less man. That was the turning point that made the team lose control. Inter Milan are very pragmatic and cold in decisive moments."
Source: https://nld.com.vn/thua-tham-inter-milan-river-plate-chia-tay-som-fifa-club-world-cup-2025-196250626104726849.htm
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