Inter Milan’s return to action ended in frustration as Lautaro Martínez’s equaliser salvaged a 1-1 draw against Monterrey in a tense Club World Cup opener at the Rose Bowl.
Just over two weeks after a harrowing 5-0 Champions League final defeat to PSG, Inter looked to reset under new head coach Cristian Chivu. But their path to redemption hit a bump in Pasadena, where veteran defender Sergio Ramos stole the spotlight with a thunderous header to give Monterrey a deserved lead.
The crowd who were firmly behind the Mexican side, erupted as Ramos met a pinpoint delivery with trademark authority. At 39, the Spaniard continues to defy age and expectations. “It was a very difficult match against a great rival, a Champions League finalist,” he said post-match. “We knew the physical demands it would take.”
Inter’s response was swift. In the 42nd minute, Lautaro Martínez tucked home a sharp team move initiated from a set piece, with Carlos Augusto providing the final touch across goal. The equaliser momentarily quieted the Monterrey fans, but not for long.
Despite dominating possession, the Nerazzurri lacked their usual incision in the final third. Chivu opted to rest several key players from the Champions League run, including Marcus Thuram, who replaced Sebastiano Esposito early in the second half.
Esposito, making his first Inter start since 2020 after a carousel of loan spells, showed flashes of intent but lacked sharpness. Martínez thought he had a second in the 68th minute, only to see the flag go up for offside. Tensions rose as both sides came close late on, with Monterrey clinging to their shape and Inter growing more desperate.
Martínez’s frustration boiled over with a late yellow card, capping a night of near-misses and squandered chances. For Inter, it was a match of control but little end product, an early reminder that rebuilding after a European final defeat won’t happen overnight.
