Milan's "Inter" and Argentina's "River Plate" clubs faced each other in the final round of the group stage of the Club World Championship. This was reported by www.euro-football.ru.
Both teams had four points, and neither could guarantee advancement to the Round of 16. A draw would be enough for "Inter," as it would take them to the next stage.
However, the situation was different for "River Plate": they would only be satisfied with a draw if a total of four or more goals were scored in the match. In the initial game, Dumfries returned from injury and took the field, while Luis Enrique remained on the bench. In "River Plate's" lineup, former Zenit player Kranevitter and future "Real" player Mastantuono took the field.
After the game started, both teams tried to show quick and aggressive football, with almost no central midfield play. Both teams had many opportunities for vertical attacks. In the 11th minute of the game, Aslan shot from outside the penalty area on the left flank, but the ball went over the goal.
In the next minute, Mastantuono shot from a distance on the right flank, but goalkeeper Sommer saved the ball. In the 20th minute, "River Plate" applied pressure, but "Inter" held firm.
Messa collided with Bostoni in the opponent's penalty area and fell, but the referee did not award a penalty. Another opportunity for "Inter" arose through Mkhitaryan's excellent pass to the right flank, but Lautaro could not shoot into the far corner. Dumfries passed the ball to Barella on the right flank, who then made a pass to the center, but Francesco Esposito's shot was blocked by Kuarta.
At the end of the first half, Acuña delivered a corner kick from the left flank for "River Plate," but Montiel headed the ball over the goal. In the first 12 minutes of the second half, Lautaro Martinez missed three goal opportunities. He hit the left post twice, first hitting the left support and then the goalkeeper.
On the third attempt, he shot from inside the penalty area, but the ball went past the goal. Mkhitaryan's dangerous shot was blocked, after which Dimarco shot into the left corner, but it did not reach the goal.
After the break, "River Plate" got stuck in their penalty area, but Lansin's pass and Kolidion's header fell into goalkeeper Sommer's hands. In the 65th minute, the situation became even more complicated for "River Plate," as Luis Kuarta brought down Mkhitaryan in the opponent's penalty area. The referee assessed this situation as denying a clear goal opportunity and showed a direct red card.
The Argentinians had to play with seven players less, and finally, Aslan's pass from the left flank was received by Sucich, who passed it to the center. Francesco Esposito opened the scoring with a low shot that pushed the goalkeeper aside – 1:0. Later, Konstantini made a long pass from the left flank, showing the ball to Borx, but he could not head it towards the goal.
"River Plate" missed the opportunity to equalize. At the end of the game, "Inter" doubled their lead in extra time.
Bostoni took the ball from Aslan, entered the opponent's penalty area, and made an accurate shot to the center – 2:0. Another red card for "River Plate" – Montiel received a second yellow card and left the field. The altercation between Acuña and the opponent continued even after the final whistle.
"Inter" secured first place in the group and advanced to the Round of 16, where they will play against "Fluminense." "Monterrey" will compete against Dortmund's "Borussia."
"River Plate" exited the tournament. Author: Kirill Ivantsov
