River Plate, under Marcelo Gallardo, head into this FIFA Club World Cup match against the Mexican side, Monterrey,after beating Urawa Red Diamonds 3-1 in their opening match. Conversely, Monterrey will be hoping to get their first win after a respectable 1-1 draw with Inter Milan in their competition opener.
Before the tournament, Los Millonarios have scored in each of their last 14 matches across all competitions, as we can see from our football facts, but have kept only three clean sheets in that span. River Plate have faced Monterrey twice in friendlies, winning one and drawing one, giving them a slight edge historically.
Gallardo’s side has been inconsistent on the road, winning just three of their last six away games, though their attacking output remains strong, averaging 1.8 goals per game in that stretch.
Monterrey, led by new coach Domenec Torrent, have transformed a lacklustre Liga MX Clausura campaign. The appointment of Torrent and the arrival of veteran Sergio Ramos have boosted morale. Rayados have lost just two of their last seven matches, with a strong home-like advantage expected in Pasadena due to the large Mexican fanbase.
However, Monterrey’s defence has been leaky, conceding in four of their last five games. Their star-studded squad, including Ramos and Brandon Vazquez, has struggled for consistency, particularly against top-tier opposition.
River Plate FIFA Club World Cup form:
- vs. Urawa Red Diamonds: 3-1 (W) 17/06/25
River Plate form (all competitions):
- D (H) 1-1 against Universitario FC (Copa Libertadores) 28/05/25
- D (H) 1-1 against Platense (Primera Division) 21/05/25
- W (H) 6-2 against Ind. Del Valle (Copa Libertadores) 16/05/25
- W (H) 3-0 against Barracas (Primera Division) 13/05/25
- W (A) 3-2 against Barcelona (Copa Libertadores) 09/05/25
Monterrey FIFA Club World Cup form:
- vs. Inter Milan: 1-1 (D) 18/06/25
Monterrey form (all competitions):
- L (A) 1-2 against Toluca (Liga MX) 11/05/25
- W (H) 3-2 against Toluca (Liga MX) 08/05/25
- W (H) 2-0 against Pumas (Liga MX) 05/05/25
- L (H) 1-2 against Pachuca (Liga MX) 28/04/25
- W (A) 2-0 against Leon (Liga MX) 21/04/25
Team News
River Plate may see Franco Mastantuono, their 17-year-old star, start despite the youngster already agreeing a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid. The expected lineup includes Franco Armani in goal, with a backline of Fabricio Bustos, German Pezzella, Martínez Quarta, and Gonzalo Montiel. Ignacio Fernández and Enzo Pérez are likely to anchor the midfield, with Sebastián Driussi and Facundo Colidio leading the attack.
Monterrey’s Sergio Ramos is expected to start, marshalling their defence alongside Esteban Andrada in goal. While Lucas Ocampos is expected to continue to partner German Berterame up top, potentially supported by Sergio Canales. Midfielders Jorge Rodríguez and Oliver Torres are likely to feature, with Torrent likely using a 3-4-1-2 formation.
River Plate possible starting lineup: Armani; Bustos, Pezzella, Martínez Quarta, Montiel; Fernández, Pérez, Castano; Mastantuono, Driussi, Colidio
Monterrey possible starting lineup: Andrada; Medina, Ramos, Guzman; Arteaga, Rodríguez, Torres, Chavez; Canales; Ocampos, Berterame
We Say: River Plate 2-1 Monterrey
River Plate’s attacking prowess and experience in high-stakes matches give them a slight edge, but Monterrey’s home-like support in Pasadena and revitalised squad make this a close contest. Expect a tight game, with River’s clinical finishing making the difference.
