Latin American Teams Face Off in FIFA Club World Cup Group Stage
In a FIFA Club World Cup filled with Latin American teams, River Plate and Monterrey will be the first from the region to face each other on Saturday, with a win potentially securing their spot in the round of 16.
Positive Starts Lead to Anticipation for the Match
Both teams approach their second Group E match with optimism after positive debuts. River, with more experience than flair, defeated Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds 3-1 and currently leads the group.
Monterrey secured a 1-1 draw against Inter Milan, the recent UEFA Champions League finalists and perceived group favorites. A win for River on Saturday would guarantee their spot in the Club World Cup’s round of 16. Monterrey, on the other hand, would need three points to advance but still needs to secure their place in the final match against Urawa Red Diamonds.
Ramos and Mastantuono: A Blancos Connection
Argentine coach Marcelo Gallardo faces a significant challenge in his attacking lineup, as starting striker Sebastián Driussi suffered an ankle sprain during the debut and will miss the rest of the tournament.
Although Gallardo has several options, Colombian Miguel Borja is expected to take on the role against Monterrey’s robust defense, led by 39-year-old Sergio Ramos, a former Real Madrid player.
At 39, Ramos enjoys what could be his final appearance on an international stage and has already made an impact with one of his signature header goals. He was asked to review Real Madrid’s current situation and praised the young Mastantuono, who is expected to join Real Madrid post-tournament.
“More Difficult Than Inter”
One connection between the clubs is Martín Demichelis, a former River player who recently left Monterrey’s coaching position for Spanish coach Domènec Torrent, Pep Guardiola’s former assistant.
Monterrey’s locker room also boasts Argentine players, with up to four potentially starting: goalkeeper Esteban Andrada, midfielder Jorge Rodríguez, and forwards Germán Berterame and Lucas Ocampos, a River fan and academy product.
“We have some connections, with players who were born in our club and played there. However, as rivals tomorrow, each team will aim to perform their best, as this match is crucial for both,” Gallardo emphasized in his Friday press conference.
“Monterrey is a significant team in Mexico, with a strong squad, talented players, and a prestigious new coach,” Gallardo described.
From Monterrey’s side, Torrent urged his team to move past the Inter draw and acknowledged that River would be just as challenging, if not more so.
Possible Lineups
- River Plate: Franco Armani – Gonzalo Montiel, Lucas Martínez Quarta, Germán Pezzella, Marcos Acuña – Kevin Castaño, Enzo Pérez, Nacho Fernández – Franco Mastantuono, Miguel Borja, Facundo Colidio. Coach: Marcelo Gallardo.
- Monterrey: Esteban Andrada – Ricardo Chávez, Stefan Medina, Sergio Ramos, Víctor Guzmán, Gerardo Arteaga – Oliver Torres, Sergio Canales, Jorge Rodríguez – Lucas Ocampos, Germán Berterame. Coach: Domènec Torrent.
River Plate vs. Monterrey: Match Time and Where to Watch
Catch River Plate vs. Monterrey on Saturday at 19:00 (local time). You can watch the match on DAZN, TUDN, ViX Premium, and Canal 5.
