FIFA Club World Cup: Sergio Ramos the hero as Monterrey hold Inter Milan
Sergio Ramos, the 39-year-old Spanish football star, scored as Monterrey drew 1-1 with Inter Milan in their opening Club World Cup Group E match in Pasadena on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
With that goal, Sergio Ramos entered the history books as the oldest goalscorer in FIFA Club World Cup history.
Lautaro Martinez scored the equaliser for Inter Milan, who were still recovering from their heavy 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final. Around 40,000 fans were at the Rose Bowl stadium to watch the match.
Inter had most of the ball and spent a lot of time attacking, but couldn’t turn that into goals.
Monterrey were happy with the point. They now prepare to face Argentina’s River Plate on Saturday.
“When you don’t win, you can’t be completely happy,” said Ramos, a former Spain and Real Madrid defender. “But one point is better than none. Inter are a strong team – they were in the Champions League final. We were a bit nervous at first, but we improved in the second half.”
Inter coach Cristian Chivu, leading the team for the first time after Simone Inzaghi left, said Monterrey were hard to break down.
“We played well in the first half even though we went behind,” Chivu said. “We could have done better in attack after the break. It’s hard to play against a team that defends so deep.”
He also said Inter took Monterrey seriously: “We respect every opponent. We knew what kind of team they were. We gave our best. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. Football isn’t won on paper.”
Match Summary:
Inter were the better side early on. Benjamin Pavard had the first chance in the 8th minute, and Matteo Darmian missed another good opportunity in the 22nd minute.
But Monterrey took the lead in the 25th minute. Oliver Torres sent in a corner and Ramos, left unmarked, headed the ball into the bottom corner.
Inter came back strong. Monterrey goalkeeper Esteban Andrada made a key save to stop Sebastiano Esposito. Martinez also went close before Inter appealed for a penalty when the ball hit Ramos on the arm. VAR decided it wasn’t a handball.
Just minutes later, Inter scored with a clever free-kick. Kristjan Asllani chipped the ball over the Monterrey defence, Carlos Augusto passed it across, and Martinez tapped it in for 1-1.
Monterrey nearly scored again in the 64th minute when Sergio Canales hit the post. Inter thought they had taken the lead shortly after, but Martinez’s goal was ruled offside.
In added time, Monterrey almost snatched a late winner, but Nelson Deossa’s shot hit the side netting.
