River Plate aim to seal qualification to the knockout stage of the FIFA Club World Cup when they face Monterrey at the Rose Bowl in California on Sunday. The Argentine giants top Group E after a win on matchday one, while Monterrey are seeking their first victory following a draw with Inter Milan.
Match Overview
River Plate opened their campaign with a 3-1 win over Urawa Red Diamonds, controlling much of the match despite showing signs of early nerves. Goals from Facundo Colidio, Sebastian Driussi, and substitute Maximiliano Meza gave Marcelo Gallardo’s side a winning start.
That result, combined with Monterrey’s draw against Inter, puts River in pole position in Group E. A second win would guarantee them a spot in the knockout stage, and potentially top spot depending on other results.
Monterrey, under new boss Domenec Torrent, were impressive in their 1-1 draw with Inter Milan. Veteran defender Sergio Ramos gave Rayados the lead with a towering header, before Lautaro Martinez equalised before half time. A point was well earned, and the Mexicans now need at least a draw against River to stay in contention.
Team News
River Plate could be without forward Sebastian Driussi, who picked up an ankle injury after scoring against Urawa. Midfielder Enzo Perez was withdrawn at halftime due to muscle tightness and is also a doubt. Teenage sensation Agustin Ruberto remains sidelined.
Miguel Borja is expected to lead the line if Driussi misses out, joining Colidio and rising star Franco Mastantuono in attack. Galoppo or Lanzini could step in for Perez in midfield.
Monterrey are still missing Carlos Salcedo due to an ACL injury. However, Torrent is likely to stick with the same XI that performed admirably against Inter. Ramos will anchor a three-man defence alongside Medina and Guzman, while Ocampos and Berterame lead the front line.
Tactical Review
River Plate favour a flexible 4-3-3 system built around possession and vertical passing. Mastantuono acts as the creative spark, while Colidio and Borja provide physicality and directness in the final third. Their midfield triangle is key to controlling tempo.
Monterrey set up in a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 hybrid, with wide wing-backs and an experienced core through the middle. Their strength lies in structured buildup and transitions, with Ramos marshalling the defence and Canales providing guile in midfield.
How to Watch
This Club World Cup Group E fixture will be broadcast globally via FIFA+ and partner networks. Kickoff is set for 6:00 AM BST (7:00 AM WAT / 2:00 AM local time) on Sunday, June 22, 2025.
Predictions
Softfootball Prediction: River Plate 2-1 Monterrey
Monterrey proved their quality against Inter and will not be pushovers, but River Plate’s intensity, tactical fluidity, and individual quality should see them edge a closely fought encounter and book their place in the next round.