Inter see off River Plate to top group at Club World Cup

Inter secured a 2–0 victory over River Plate in their final Group E match at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, confirming top spot and progression to the knockout stages.

The breakthrough came in the 72nd minute when teenage forward Francesco Pio Esposito coolly finished off a well-constructed move. Inter’s dominance was later rewarded in stoppage time, as defender Alessandro Bastoni fired in a powerful left-footed effort to double the lead.

River Plate had held firm early on, but their resistance crumbled after Lucas Martínez Quarta was sent off for a foul on Henrikh Mkhitaryan. The Argentine side finished the match with nine men after Gonzalo Montiel also saw red late in the game. Inter manager Cristian Chivu praised his side’s composure in a high-stakes clash.

Inter will now face Brazilian side Fluminense in the round of 16, as they look to build momentum in their title pursuit.