Sergio Ramos and Lautaro Martinez score as Monterrey hold Inter to 1-1 draw

Written by Paul Kemp

Paul Kemp is an experienced sports writer covering Soccer, NBA and NHL. He also writes in depth reviews of sports betting sites based on his personal experience.

, | Updated: June 18, 2025

Sergio Ramos scores a header for Monterrey against Inter

Key Takeaways:

Inter and Monterrey drew 1:1 in Group E of the Club World Cup
Sergio Ramos and Lautaro Martinez scored the goals in a tightly contested match
Both clubs debuted new head coaches: Cristian Chivu for Inter and Domenec Torrent for Monterrey

Italian giants Inter drew 1:1 with Mexican side Monterrey in their opening match of Group E at the FIFA Club World Cup. It was held at the Rose Bowl and saw the Nerazzurri dominate most of the proceedings. Sergio Ramos gave the Mexican side the lead in the 25th minute, while Lautaro Martinez equalised in the 42nd.

Monterrey’s squad featured high-profile names including captain Sergio Ramos, Lucas Ocampos, Sergio Canales, and Oliver Torres. The match was also the debut for both head coaches – Cristian Chivu for Inter and Domenec Torrent for Monterrey.

Lautaro 🤝 Ramos#FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/hO0qUrBfqa
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) June 18, 2025

Inter started on the front foot, but the first real chance came in the 21st minute when Nicolo Barella found Matteo Darmian, whose shot went over the bar. Monterrey responded through a long-range strike by Ocampos, which was blocked by Francesco Acerbi and led to a corner. From the set piece, Sergio Ramos scored with a header to make it 1:0.

The Nerazzurri nearly levelled quickly, but Esteban Andrada denied Sebastiano Esposito with his foot. In the 42nd minute, Inter’s stronger play paid off when Carlos Augusto sent in a low cross for Lautaro Martinez to convert for 1:1. Seconds before the break, Inter nearly completed the comeback, but Kristjan Asllani missed the target from a good position.

The second half began with more pressure from the Italians. In the 54th minute, Barella wasted a clear chance. In the 64th, a masterful free kick by Sergio Canales hit the post. Minutes later, Lautaro Martinez scored again, but the goal was ruled out for offside. In the 74th minute, Barella missed once more, and three minutes after that, Lautaro sent the ball over the crossbar. Inter pushed hard until the final whistle but were unable to find a winner.