River Plate and Monterrey are set to meet on Matchday 2 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 at the Rose Bowl Stadium this Sunday at 9 p.m. ET. With a spot in the round of 16 on the line, both Group E sides are expected to go all out in a game that could determine their future in the tournament.
The Argentine side is riding high after a 3-1 win over Urawa Red Diamonds, marking the first game in tournament history with all three goals coming from headers. River now have their sights set on another win, a result that would secure their place in the round of 16.
Monterrey, meanwhile, are coming off a hard-fought 1-1 draw against group favorites Inter Milan, having taken the lead with a header from Sergio Ramos. With Urawa still ahead on their schedule, three points against River would go a long way toward avoiding complications on the final matchday.
Real Madrid past vs. future
While both teams battle for a comfortable position in Group E, River Plate vs. Monterrey also features a fascinating subplot: two generations tied to Real Madrid — Sergio Ramos and Franco Mastantuono.
Ramos (39) became a club legend during his illustrious career at Real Madrid, widely regarded as one of the best centerbacks in history. Mastantuono, just 17, is set to join Los Blancos in August after the Spanish giants activated his €45 million release clause. It remains to be seen whether experience will prevail or if youth will steal the spotlight.
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Confirmed lineups for River Plate and Monterrey
River Plate’s confirmed lineups (4-3-3): Franco Armani; Gonzalo Montiel, Lucas Martinez Quarta, Paulo Diaz, Marcos Acuña; Giuliano Galoppo, Enzo Perez, Kevin Castaño; Franco Mastantuono, Facundo Colidio, Maximiliano Meza.
Head coach: Marcelo Gallardo.
Monterrey’s confirmed lineups (4-3-3): Esteban Andrada; Erick Aguirre, John Medina, Sergio Ramos, Gerardo Arteaga; Sergio Canales, Jorge Rodriguez, Nelson Deossa; Lucas Ocampos, German Berterame, Jesus “Tecatito”Corona.
Head coach: Domenec Torrent Font.
