Club World Cup: Inter dominates River to advance to Round of 16 alongside Monterrey

River Plate was eliminated from the Club World Cup on Wednesday after a hard-fought 2-0 loss to European runner-up Inter Milan in Group E’s third match. The Argentines finished the game with two players sent off—Lucas Martínez Quarta and Gonzalo Montiel.

The "Millonario" team, backed by their passionate fans at Seattle’s Lumen Field, fought until the very end but ultimately fell to a clearly superior Inter. The match was decided by goals from young Italian striker Francesco "Pio" Esposito in the 72nd minute and defender Alessandro Bastoni in stoppage time (90+3).

The elimination is bitter for River, who needed at least a 2-2 draw to avoid being overtaken by Mexican side Monterrey, who cruised to a 4-0 win over Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds.

Inter, the leaders of Group E, will face Fluminense in the Round of 16 on Monday in Charlotte. Monterrey, the surprise runners-up, will take on Borussia Dortmund in Atlanta on Tuesday.

A fast-paced affair

River and Inter came out with fierce intensity in a match that felt like a final—and it was. No guesswork, just tough battles in midfield, physical play, and growing pressure as the Italian side gained confidence and took control over River Plate.

River, increasingly pressured by Mykhitaryan’s drives, Barella’s passing, and Lautaro’s support, looked to Franco Mastantuono to create chances. The 17-year-old Argentine prospect moved across the flank, between the lines, and inside the box, showing his versatility. However, the Italian defense kept him tightly marked throughout the match, with Bastoni leading a disciplined, staggered defense that effectively shut him down.

The Argentinians controlled the ball thanks to relentless high pressure on the Nerazzurri, but they couldn’t capitalize on their chances, often missing the final pass.

After River Plate’s initial attack, Inter once again threatened Franco Armani’s goal.

Sticking to their game plan, Cristian Chivu’s men targeted the flanks, utilizing Dimarco and Dutchman Denzel Dumfries—who started after recovering from injury—to create overloads.

Inter captain Lautaro Martínez, who missed a clear left-footed chance around the 30-minute mark, also started to make his presence felt.

Esposito nearly scored late in the first half but missed the ball by just inches.

River's decisive moves

River needed to shift the momentum after halftime, especially with Monterrey keeping them off the scoreboard.

El Millonario pushed forward upon returning to the pitch. A free kick from Mastantuono shook the Milan defense, but no one was there to finish the play.

River fans cheered their team with all their might, but on the field, it was Inter’s players who kept the pressure on.

Lautaro demanded the ball and showcased his class once again. In one attacking move, he received the ball near the three-quarter line, made a quick move past the opposing center-back, and saw his low shot rattle the post.

The Nerazzurri kept up their siege. A minute later, River center-back Paulo Díaz had to stretch to block a right-footed shot from Armenian Henrikh Mkhitaryan inside the box.

The Argentine team survived thanks to its defense and goalkeeper Franco Armani, who made a crucial save to deflect a powerful shot from Lautaro, expertly set up by midfielder Nicolo Barella.

River’s players were growing increasingly fatigued. In the 66th minute, Martínez Quarta—solid until then—miscontrolled a ball and fouled Mkhitaryan as he charged alone toward goal. The referee showed the center-back a red card.

Facing a relentless Inter, El Millonario had to score two goals while a player down—an almost impossible mission.

Esposito sealed River’s fate when he received the ball in the box, cut inside past the defense, and beat Armani. A key part of the play was Inter’s recently recalled Croatian midfielder, Petar Sucic, who is starting to earn his place under coach Chivu.

Bastoni sealed the victory with a great run down the left flank, followed by a powerful shot after a quick self-pass.

The tense match ended with a second yellow card for full-back Gonzalo Montiel, who became caught up in a heated brawl with Acuña and Dumfries—two players locked in a fierce duel throughout the game. The situation escalated to the point where Dumfries had to leave the field amid threats from Montiel, who was finally restrained by teammates and opponents.