Inter Milan Advances to Club World Cup Knockout Stage with Victory Over River Plate

SEATTLE: Inter Milan scored two goals late in the game to seal a 2-0 victory against River Plate at Lumen Field on Wednesday. This win secured them the top position in Group E and a spot in the Club World Cup’s next stage.

Young talent Francesco Esposito opened the scoring in the 72nd minute, shortly after Lucas Martínez Quarta was ejected for denying Henrikh Mkhitaryan a clear scoring opportunity.

Esposito seized Petar Sucic’s pass, controlled it skillfully, and fired a strong shot past River’s goalkeeper, Franco Armani. Inter’s second goal came in stoppage time when Alessandro Bastoni maneuvered through River’s tired defense and scored with a low shot.

Following the second goal, tensions rose, and Gonzalo Montiel received his second yellow card during some heated exchanges. As players left the field, the match concluded chaotically, with objects being thrown from the stands.

Earlier in the game, River Plate had opportunities, with 17-year-old Franco Mastantuono, headed to Real Madrid, creating their most promising plays, though his attempts often missed the target.

Facundo Colidio missed River’s best chance, heading the ball straight at Yann Sommer in the 64th minute before being substituted.

Inter dominated possession but initially struggled to convert chances, with captain Lautaro Martinez hitting the post and missing other opportunities.

Despite a determined effort, River was eventually overwhelmed by Inter’s constant pressure, with Martínez Quarta’s ejection being a key turning point.

Inter now progresses to the next round with confidence, while River reflects on missed chances.

The Italian champions will now play against Fluminense in Charlotte on Monday.