In what was expected to be a comfortable opening for the European giants, Inter Milan were held to a surprising 1-1 draw by CF Monterrey in their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group E opener at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. For a club that just came off a dominant domestic campaign, questions are already being asked: Is this the beginning of an Inter Milan falloff?
First Half: Ramos Makes a Statement
Sergio Ramos, the 39-year-old veteran, proved he still has plenty left in the tank. In the 25th minute, he powered home a trademark header from an Óliver Torres corner, giving Monterrey a shock lead and reminding fans of his legendary big-match presence.
Inter, who looked rattled early on, found a way back before the half. A well-placed Carlos Augusto free kick into the box found Lautaro Martínez, who finished cleanly to restore parity in the 42nd minute.
Halftime Score: Inter 1 – 1 Monterrey
Tactical Overview: Inter’s Defects, Monterrey’s Masterclass
Despite Inter Milan’s 62% possession and superior passing stats, Monterrey outsmarted them tactically. Sitting deep, absorbing pressure, and launching calculated counters, the Mexican side exposed flaws in Inter’s creativity and cutting edge.
Key Moments:
- Canales struck the post late in the second half.
- Nelson Deossa had a stoppage-time chance to win it but missed narrowly.
- Esteban Andrada, Monterrey’s keeper, made crucial saves to deny Inter a winner.
Inter, despite their midfield trio of Barella, Mkhitaryan, and Calhanoglu, couldn’t break the lines consistently. The lack of pace and width was evident.
Is This Inter Milan’s Falloff?
The warning signs are flashing:
- Inter lacked urgency and sharpness.
- New coach Cristian Chivu, in his first competitive outing, looked uncertain with in-game adjustments.
- Defensive lapses allowed Monterrey—a team considered underdogs—to look the more dangerous side in key moments.
Let’s not forget—this is a team that was chasing a treble just months ago, only to end the season with nothing. The disappointment of missing out on all trophies was quickly followed by a change in leadership, with club legend Chivu replacing Simone Inzaghi. Now, starting their Club World Cup campaign with a draw against Monterrey, the cracks are becoming visible.
While it’s too early to make sweeping judgments, this performance will surely cause concern for Inter fans. They’re no longer just competing in Serie A; this is the global stage, and complacency will be punished.
Man of the Match: Sergio Ramos
From the opening whistle to the final minute, Ramos marshaled Monterrey’s defense with elite-level experience and passion. His goal was just the cherry on top. Few defenders in world football have his aura, and he showed why Monterrey brought him in.
What’s Next in Inter Milan’s Group E?
The draw leaves both sides with 1 point. Upcoming matches now become must-win:
- Inter Milan vs Urawa Red Diamonds
- Monterrey vs River Plate
Group E is now wide open, and Inter must wake up quickly or risk a group-stage exit.
Final Thoughts
Inter Milan came into the Club World Cup as one of the tournament favorites. Monterrey just reminded the world that in football, names don’t win matches—performance does.
With a trophyless season behind them, a managerial transition, and now a shaky start to the Club World Cup, Inter’s identity as a dominant force is under pressure. The “Inter Milan Falloff?” may not just be a question—it could become the narrative of their season.
💬 What do you think? Was this just a blip or a sign of deeper issues at Inter? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
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