Monterrey’s Historical Participation in the FIFA Mundial de Clubes
Monterrey will make history this summer by becoming the Liga MX team with the most participations in the FIFA Mundial de Clubes. The 2025 edition will be their sixth appearance, once again placing them in a high-stakes exam against European elite teams.
Rayados have already participated in the Mundial de Clubes in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2019, and 2021 under the previous seven-team format. This time, they are part of the 32 teams from around the globe that make up an unprecedented edition with a group stage.
Rayados’ Past Encounters Against European Champions
In their opening match, Monterrey will face Inter de Milán. This will be the third time they have faced a ‘giant’ from the Old Continent, having previously met Chelsea in 2012 and Liverpool in 2019, both of whom were Champions League winners at the time.
Head coach Domenec Torrent stated, “First and foremost, we need to represent our club and Mexican football well. Rayados has competed very well against Chelsea and Liverpool in the past. We aim to compete strongly while respecting our opponent, a top team that has reached the Champions League final in two of the last three years.”
Historically, Monterrey has lost but left a mark on the scoreboard. In 2012, they fell 3-1 to Chelsea in the semifinals in Japan, with Aldo De Nigris scoring for Mexico. Rayados secured a bronze medal by defeating Al Ahly, the African champion, 2-0. In 2019, they lost again in the semifinals to Liverpool 2-1 in Qatar, with Roberto Firmino scoring late. Rayados claimed the third-place medal by defeating Al Hilal 4-3 on penalties after winning 2-1 in Asia’s championship.
Torrent’s Expectations for Rayados
Torrent hopes to see a combative spirit in his team: “Aware of the challenge, we will strive to compete and represent our fans well in every moment. I am convinced that we can perform well; we have our chances.”
Monterrey shares Group E of the 2025 Mundial de Clubes with Inter de Milán, River Plate, and Urawa Red Diamonds, who will be their chronological rivals in the quest for a spot in the round of 16.
The initial clash against Inter marks the official start of Domenec Torrent’s management, appointed in late May to replace Argentine Martín Demichelis.
Rayados boasts experienced European players like Sergio Ramos, Óliver Torres, Jesús Corona, Lucas Ocampos, and Sergio Canales.
“You never know when it will be your last big tournament. It’s an opportunity to enjoy, as great players like big tournaments, and the Mundial de Clubes in this new format is one of them. We must make the most of every moment,” said Ramos, former Real Madrid captain.
Inter de Milán Begins a New Cycle
Similarly, Inter de Milán is starting a new cycle under Romanian Christian Chivu, who was recently presented after Simone Inzaghi’s departure. Inzaghi led the team to two Champions League runner-up finishes in 2023 and 2025 before moving to Saudi Arabia with Al Hilal, another team participating in the Mundial de Clubes this summer.
“We have the obligation and duty to aspire to important things. History tells us so. We must respect our shield, the competition we play in, and all those who have set a high standard in recent years,” Chivu emphasized during his presentation.
Regarding Monterrey, their first opponent in the Mundial de Clubes, Chivu commented: “We have studied their videos; they likely made some changes after hiring a new coach.”
Despite limited knowledge about Rayados, Chivu expressed respect for Mexican football: “I have great respect for what Mexico is building. Recently, they’ve made significant investments and tried to bring young and experienced players to elevate their league’s level.”
Monterrey’s best Mundial de Clubes result was third place in 2012 and 2019, while Inter de Milán won the tournament in 2010.
Their match is scheduled for Tuesday, June 17, at 7:00 PM Central Time in California’s Rose Bowl Stadium, which accommodates over 80,000 spectators.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the significance of Monterrey’s participation in the Mundial de Clubes? Monterrey will make history by becoming the Liga MX team with the most participations in the FIFA Mundial de Clubes, appearing in their sixth edition.
- Who are Monterrey’s opponents in Group E? Monterrey will face Inter de Milán, River Plate, and Urawa Red Diamonds in Group E of the 2025 Mundial de Clubes.
- What are Monterrey’s past results against European champions? Monterrey has lost but left a mark in their previous encounters with European champions, including Chelsea and Liverpool.
- What are Domenec Torrent’s expectations for Rayados? Torrent expects a combative spirit from his team, emphasizing respect for their opponents and the opportunity to represent their fans well.
- What is Inter de Milán’s current situation? Inter de Milán is beginning a new cycle under Romanian coach Christian Chivu, who recently succeeded Simone Inzaghi.
- What is the schedule for Monterrey’s opening match? Monterrey will face Inter de Milán on Tuesday, June 17, at 7:00 PM Central Time in California’s Rose Bowl Stadium.
