Sergio Ramos Shines as Monterrey Stuns Inter in Club World Cup Thriller
In a game that blended nostalgia with modern football intensity, Monterrey and Inter Milan played out an electrifying 1-1 draw in their opening FIFA Club World Cup match at the Rose Bowl. The standout performer? None other than the evergreen Sergio Ramos, who proved once again that class is permanent—even at 39.
Ramos, the former Real Madrid icon and current Monterrey captain, brought back memories of his peak years with a towering header in the 25th minute. Outjumping two Inter defenders, he met Oliver Torres' corner with power and precision, giving Monterrey the lead in style. His celebration? Classic Ramos—intense, theatrical, and unapologetically passionate.
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Inter responded before halftime, showcasing their usual fluidity. A smartly-taken free kick by Kristjan Asllani led to a composed finish by Lautaro Martinez in the 42nd minute, leveling the game. The second half saw both sides push for a winner. Sergio Canales almost produced a stunner with a long-range strike that rattled the post, while Inter’s Martinez had a goal ruled out for offside and later fired over from close range. Monterrey had a golden chance late on, but Nelson Deossa hit the side netting.
For Inter, this was more than just a game. It marked the beginning of the Cristian Chivu era following Simone Inzaghi’s departure. Chivu chose not to overhaul but to continue the familiar 3-5-2 structure, starting seven players from the Champions League final against PSG. His team looked cohesive, if not sharp, but the toll of a relentless calendar was evident. With only 18 days separating this match from their European final, Inter’s players showed signs of fatigue—a concern echoed by their CEO Giuseppe Marotta, who emphasized the unsustainable workload today’s top players face.
And just to top it all off? Monterrey’s club anthem played before kickoff, ringing through the stadium with infectious energy. If you didn’t know the lyrics, that refrain—“¡Arriba, el Monterrey!”—was enough to get your blood pumping.
In a game that had everything—history, grit, and emotion—Sergio Ramos showed us he's not done writing chapters in his remarkable football story. And Monterrey, with that performance, just made the Club World Cup a whole lot more interesting.
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