River Plate and Monterrey Play Out Goalless Draw in Club World Cup Clash
River Plate and Monterrey played to an exciting 0-0 draw on Saturday night in their second group match at the Club World Cup.
The match, held at the famous Rose Bowl Stadium, saw both sides create chances but fail to score. River Plate had 18 shots, including six on target, but none got past Monterrey goalkeeper Esteban Andrada – who is also from Argentina.
Monterrey had just three shots in total, two of which were on target, but River Plate goalkeeper Franco Armani also kept a clean sheet.
The game was very physical, with a total of 40 fouls and eight yellow cards shown. The lively crowd of 57,393 fans, with strong support for both teams, added to the intense atmosphere.
River Plate had the better chances in the first half. In the 27th minute, 17-year-old Franco Mastantuono – who is set to join Real Madrid next season – had a free kick saved by Andrada. Giuliano Galoppo sent a clear shot over the bar shortly before the break, and Lucas Martínez Quarta missed a close-range volley just before half-time.
River Plate went down to 10 men in injury time when Kevin Castaño received a second yellow card. However, Monterrey couldn’t take advantage in the final moments.
Monterrey had drawn their first group match against Champions League finalists Inter Milan just four days earlier.
River Plate had started the tournament strongly as well, winning 3-1 against Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds in their opener in Seattle.
