Daijiworld Media Network- Pasadena
Pasadena, Jun 18: Legendary Spanish defender Sergio Ramos rolled back the years with a trademark bullet header as Monterrey held European giants Inter Milan to a pulsating 1-1 draw in their FIFA Club World Cup Group E opener at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium on Tuesday.
In a tightly contested clash witnessed by over 40,000 football enthusiasts, Ramos stunned the Italian heavyweights with a precise finish in the 25th minute, offering Monterrey a surprise lead against the run of play. The 39-year-old former Real Madrid and Spain stalwart rose unmarked to meet Oliver Torres’s corner, expertly directing his header past a stranded Yann Sommer into the bottom corner.
Inter, who were reeling from a humiliating 5-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final earlier this month, dominated proceedings throughout, yet struggled to convert their control into goals. Early chances went begging as Benjamin Pavard and Matteo Darmian fired off-target, despite sharp buildup play orchestrated by Nicolo Barella.
The Italian side thought they had a strong case for a penalty when Pavard’s header struck Ramos on the arm inside the box, but VAR ruled in favour of the Mexican club, dismissing the appeals.
However, persistence paid off as Inter equalised in the 39th minute through a brilliantly crafted set-piece. Albanian midfielder Kristjan Asllani deceived the Monterrey wall with a subtle chip over the defence, allowing Brazilian Carlos Augusto to square it for Argentine striker Lautaro Martinez, who calmly slotted home from close range.
The intensity carried on into the second half, with Monterrey’s Sergio Canales rattling the post with a fierce strike in the 64th minute, while Inter saw a Martinez goal ruled out for offside moments later.
In the dying moments of stoppage time, Monterrey nearly stole victory when Colombian midfielder Nelson Deossa broke clear, but his shot could only find the side netting.
With the draw, both sides share the spoils in Group E, leaving the group wide open as they head into their next fixtures. Ramos, once again, proved that class is indeed permanent, delivering a performance that defied his age and thrilled fans across the globe.