Matchday 1 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 continues, and now it’s time for the first Mexican side to make its debut in the tournament. Monterrey, led by legendary defender Sergio Ramos, will take on European powerhouse Inter Milan in what promises to be a thrilling Group E showdown.
In recent years, Monterrey have become a regular participant in the Club World Cup, with its best runs coming in 2012 and 2019, finishing third on both occasions. Today marks their first major test against a European opponent, as new head coach Domenec Torrent makes his debut on the Rayados bench.
Inter Milan, meanwhile, enters the Club World Cup still reeling from two major setbacks: a crushing 5-0 loss to PSG in the UEFA Champions League final and the departure of manager Simone Inzaghi. But now, with Cristian Chivu taking charge, the Nerazzurri remain one of the top contenders to lift the trophy.
Will Sergio Ramos play vs. Inter today?
As official lineups have been revealed, Sergio Ramos will be in Monterrey’s starting lineup against Inter Milan. Wearing the captain’s armband, the Spanish defender is set to anchor the backline alongside Ricardo Chavez.
Inter will be a true test for Ramos, who is returning from injury. In mid-April, he suffered a muscle injury in his right thigh that sidelined him for the final games of the Liga MX season. However, he made his comeback in a friendly against Atlante on June 10, using that match as preparation for today’s much bigger challenge.
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Monterrey vs. Inter Milan: Projected Lineups for the Group E match in the Club World Cup
Beyond his leadership on the pitch, Ramos remains a key presence off it as well. In Monday’s pre-match press conference, the veteran defender had a clear message for Inter Milan regarding Monterrey’s underdog status.
“Today, soccer has advanced technology that allows you to get information on practically any player. But in that sense, if they only know two of us, even better, because tomorrow they’ll see the level of some very talented players we have,” Ramos said when asked about the Italian side’s limited knowledge of Monterrey’s squad.
Ramos then doubled down, fully embracing the underdog role. “We prefer to speak on the field rather than off it. We come here with a lot of excitement, a lot of desire, and a great deal of respect for all our opponents, because obviously, they have much bigger names than we do, they’re more of a favorite than we are,” he added, vowing that Monterrey will go “toe-to-toe” with any opponent.
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