Inter Milan clinched their place in the FIFA Club World Cup knockout stage with a commanding 2-0 victory against River Plate at Lumen Field on June 25, 2025. The Italian giants dominated Group E, delivering a performance marked by precision and resilience. However, the match ended in controversy, with tensions spilling over as objects rained down from the stands.
For 72 minutes, the game remained locked in a scoreless duel. River Plate’s defence held firm until a turning point arrived. Their defender Lucas Martínez Quarta received a red card for denying Henrikh Mkhitaryan a clear scoring chance. Consequently, Inter capitalised on the advantage. Francesco Pio Esposito seized the moment, latching onto a perfectly timed through ball from Petar Sucic. With a deft touch, he unleashed a powerful shot past goalkeeper Franco Armani, breaking the deadlock.
Inter Milan blanks River Plate to advance in FIFA Club World Cup https://t.co/9ldnXDwplt pic.twitter.com/KkvhtOvO47
— New York Post (@nypost) June 26, 2025As the match neared its end, Inter solidified its lead in stoppage time. Alessandro Bastoni surged past River’s defence, coolly slotting a low left-footed shot into the net. The goal capped a dominant display, though tempers flared post-match. River Plate’s Gonzalo Montiel earned a second yellow card amid scuffles, and fans threw objects as players left the field.
🔝 Inter Milan claimed first place in Group E!#FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/iQSBlCmCN5
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 26, 2025Despite flashes of promise, particularly from 17-year-old Franco Mastantuono, River Plate lacked precision in attack. For instance, Facundo Colidio missed a golden opportunity, heading straight at Inter’s goalkeeper Yann Sommer in the 64th minute. Inter’s control of possession overwhelmed River, especially after the red card shifted momentum decisively.
Elsewhere, Monterrey’s 4-0 rout of Urawa Red Diamonds secured their knockout spot, setting up a quarterfinal clash with Borussia Dortmund. Meanwhile, Inter Milan prepares to face Fluminense in the round of 16 on June 30 in Charlotte. The results underscore the intense competition in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, with top clubs vying for global supremacy.
