The match took place in a packed stadium, with passionate supporters from both teams creating an electric atmosphere. Inter, hailing from Porto Alegre, Brazil, brought their trademark attacking flair and physicality, while River Plate, the legendary Argentine club from Buenos Aires, countered with their technical mastery and tactical discipline.
First Half: Tactical Battle
The first 45 minutes of the Inter vs River Plate clash were characterized by strategic discipline and tactical awareness. Inter set up with a compact midfield, trying to control the tempo of the game through short passes and high pressing. River Plate, on the other hand, relied on quick counterattacks and long balls to their forwards.
There were a few early chances for both sides. Inter’s striker Luiz Adriano tested River’s goalkeeper Franco Armani with a powerful shot in the 15th minute. River Plate responded through Pablo Solari, who almost broke the deadlock with a curling shot that went just wide.
Second Half: Momentum Shifts
The game opened up in the second half as both managers made tactical substitutions. River Plate's midfield began to dominate possession, with Enzo Pérez dictating the pace of the game. It paid off in the 63rd minute when River Plate took the lead through a well-placed header from Miguel Borja following a precise cross by Nacho Fernández.
Inter responded swiftly. Just ten minutes later, Alan Patrick equalized with a stunning free-kick that curled into the top corner, sending the home fans into a frenzy. The game turned fiery with end-to-end action, and the crowd was treated to a thrilling contest filled with drama and emotion.
As the match entered stoppage time, River Plate’s frustrations boiled over. Gonzalo Montiel received a second yellow card after a fracas, reducing River Plate to nine men. With the numerical advantage, Inter added a second goal in stoppage time as Alessandro Bastoni found the net to seal a 2-0 victory
Match Stats
| Stat | Inter Milan | River Plate |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 58% | 42% |
| Shots | 14 | 8 |
| Shots on Target | 6 | 2 |
| Corners | 7 | 3 |
| Fouls | 12 | 18 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 4 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 2 |
| Offsides | 2 | 1 |
Key Moments and Standout Players
- Miguel Borja (River Plate): Scored the opening goal and was a constant threat in the box.
- Alan Patrick (Inter): Man of the Match with his leadership in midfield and the crucial equalizer.
- Franco Armani (River Plate): Made multiple crucial saves to keep River in the game.
- Renê (Inter): Rock-solid in defense, breaking down many of River’s attacking moves.
Inter Milan’s clinical finishing and composure under pressure were the difference in a physical, high-stakes encounter.
River Plate’s indiscipline—two red cards and multiple yellows—proved costly, ending their Club World Cup campaign.
Francesco Esposito’s breakthrough goal and Alessandro Bastoni’s late strike secured Inter’s place in the last 16, where they will face Fluminense.
