Group E reaches a thrilling climax at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup as Inter Milan take on River Plate in Seattle, with both sides still in the hunt for a place in the knockout stages. Three teams remain in contention for the two qualifying spots, and the stakes could hardly be higher.
Inter require just a point to progress, while River Plate must win or secure a high-scoring draw, at least 2-2, to guarantee their place in the last 16.
Cristian Chivu’s Inter side secured a vital 2-1 comeback victory over Urawa Red Diamonds on matchday two, a result that kept them in the running but exposed signs of fatigue at the end of a gruelling campaign. The Nerazzurri have kept just one clean sheet in their last five matches (W2, D2, L1), but a draw here will be enough to secure progression. A defeat, however, would leave them hoping Monterrey fail to beat Urawa.
River Plate, meanwhile, arrive unbeaten after a goalless draw with Monterrey, followed by an opening-day win. Marcelo Gallardo’s men hold a narrow edge over Inter on goal difference but must avoid a low-scoring stalemate to advance. Still, with only three defeats in their last 27 matches (W14, D11), the Argentine side will be confident of getting the job done.
This fixture marks the first ever competitive meeting between the two clubs and only the second time Italian and Argentine sides have met in the Club World Cup. River Plate’s last clash with European opposition at this tournament ended in a 3-0 defeat to Barcelona in the 2015 final.
Key stats and trends
Inter have conceded the opening goal in 18 matches this season, including in their recent clash with Urawa. However, they tend to close games strongly, with seven of their last 12 matches featuring a clean sheet for the winner.
River Plate’s matches have offered plenty of entertainment, with eight of their last 11 fixtures producing over 2.5 goals. Their two CWC matches so far have also produced a total of 16 yellow cards.
Players to watch
Inter captain Lautaro Martínez remains the main threat, having scored the team’s opening goal in both Club World Cup matches and in seven of his last eight scoring appearances in international competitions. River will look to counter through Marcos Acuña, who not only brings defensive solidity but also contributed two assists on matchday one.
Inter’s squad will be boosted by the return of Denzel Dumfries, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, and Davide Frattesi, all of whom missed the opening two fixtures. However, Marcus Thuram and Benjamin Pavard remain doubtful. River, by contrast, will be without three key midfielders, Kevin Castaño, Enzo Pérez and Giuliano Galoppo, due to suspension.
With key players returning and a more settled squad, Inter are marginal favourites to secure progression. River Plate’s depleted midfield could prove costly, making backing Inter to win a reasonable call, though a tense, finely balanced contest is expected in what could be one of the most dramatic matches of the group stage.
