UEFA Champions League finalists Inter Milan were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Mexican outfit Monterrey in their opening Group E clash at the Club World Cup on Tuesday, in front of a sparse crowd at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl.
Inter, under new boss Cristian Chivu, dominated possession early on but fell behind midway through the first half when veteran defender Sergio Ramos rose highest to power home a header from a corner in the 25th minute, giving Monterrey a surprise lead.
The Nerazzurri, determined to bounce back from their 5-0 Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, responded before the break. Kristjan Asllani floated a free-kick into the box, which was smartly redirected by Carlos Augusto across goal for Lautaro Martínez to tap in from close range in the 42nd minute.
Despite Inter’s territorial advantage, the second half saw Monterrey grow into the game, and they nearly snatched a famous win in stoppage time when Nelson Deossa’s shot rippled the side netting.
“It’s disappointing not to come away with the win,” admitted Inter midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan post-match. “We had the chances but didn’t take them. We have to be more aggressive and clinical in front of goal — this is a new competition and teams are hungry to progress.”
The match marked the first competitive meeting between the two sides, each of whom entered the tournament with new managers. Former Roma defender Chivu has replaced Simone Inzaghi at Inter, while Spaniard Domenec Torrent was brought in by Monterrey after a lacklustre start to their domestic campaign.
Both teams will return to Club World Cup action on Saturday. Monterrey remain in Pasadena to face South American giants River Plate, who defeated Japan’s Urawa Reds 3-1 earlier in the day, while Inter travel north to Seattle for their encounter with the J-League champions.
