PASADENA, Calif. — Sergio Ramos and Lautaro Martínez traded first-half goals as C.F. Monterrey and Inter Milan battled to a 1-1 draw Tuesday night at the Rose Bowl Stadium in an expanded FIFA Club World Cup group stage match.
Ramos opened the scoring for Monterrey in the 25th minute, rising above the defense to head home a corner from Óliver Torres in front of a large contingent of Rayados supporters. The 39-year-old Spanish defender was making his debut for Monterrey.
Inter answered late in the half when Carlos Augusto’s free kick found Martínez, who calmly slotted home the equalizer in the 42nd minute.
Both sides pushed for a winner in the second half, with Inter controlling possession but unable to break down Monterrey’s organized defense. Monterrey nearly grabbed a stoppage-time goal, but Nelson Deossa’s shot sailed wide.
The result keeps Group E wide open. Inter, now led by new head coach Cristian Chivu, will next face Urawa Red Diamonds in Seattle on Saturday, while Monterrey meets River Plate back at the Rose Bowl.