Seattle, June 26
Second-half goals by Francesco Esposito and Alessandro Bastoni gave FC Internazionale Milano a 2-0 victory against 10-man CA River Plate at Lumen Field on Thursday, sealing top spot in Group E and a place in the last 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
With Monterrey scoring three first-half goals to take control in their win against Urawa Red Diamonds, Inter and River were left to battle for Group E's remaining spot in the Round of 16.
Inter created their first real chance in the 26th minute when Esposito was played into space in the box but had his shot blocked by Lucas Martinez Quarta. They had another good look at goal in the 32nd minute, but Lautaro Martinez pulled his strike wide of the far post.
River continued their stout defending to keep the match scoreless at the break. Just before half-time, Inter’s Federico Dimarco fired a dangerous cross at the near post, but center-back Paulo Diaz made a lunging clearance to prevent Esposito from getting a toe on the ball, FIFA reports.
River threatened the Inter goal in the 49th minute after Miguel Borja was fouled by Acerbi just outside the penalty area. Franco Mastantuono whipped in a free-kick and then an equally dangerous cross to force emergency clearances.