How Did Club WC: River Plate and Monterrey End Up in a Draw? Fluminense Sends Ulsan Packing!

Pasadena, June 22 (NationPress) Club Atlético River Plate missed a crucial chance to advance to the knockout stages of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 after their match with Monterrey ended in a barren draw at the Rose Bowl.

The Argentine powerhouse required a win to progress to the Round of 16, but both teams struggled to create meaningful opportunities in a match marred by fouls and interruptions.

The game started with a fiery atmosphere, resulting in three yellow cards being issued within the first 30 minutes. The best opportunity of the first half came just before the break when River Plate's full-back Lucas Martinez Quarta managed to find space following a corner, only to send a volley wide of the goal with the net open.

In the second half, River Plate's rising star Franco Mastantuono nearly lit up the crowd with a curling shot in the 67th minute, which was easily saved by Monterrey's goalkeeper Esteban Andrada. The match ultimately ended in a stalemate, with River Plate's midfielder Kevin Castano receiving a red card in stoppage time after accruing a second yellow card, as reported by FIFA.

This draw paves the way for an exhilarating final matchday in Group E next Wednesday. River Plate will take on FC Internazionale Milano in a pivotal top-of-the-table clash at Lumen Field, while Monterrey faces the already eliminated Urawa Red Diamonds back at the Rose Bowl.

In another match, Fluminense FC scored three goals in the second half to claim a victory over Ulsan HD and secure all three points at MetLife Stadium in New York, New Jersey. This defeat eliminates Ulsan from the FIFA Club World Cup following their earlier loss to Mamelodi Sundowns FC.

The encounter commenced with Fluminense controlling possession while Ulsan opted for a defensive stance. Fluminense finally broke the deadlock in the 27th minute when Jhon Arias executed a stunning free-kick from 24 yards into the top corner, giving Fluminense a 1-0 lead.

This marked the third goal from a free-kick in the tournament, with Arias joining Bryan Gonzalez of CF Pachuca and Lionel Messi from Inter Miami CF.

Ulsan equalized dramatically through a counter-attack. Seizing on a Fluminense mistake, Um Wonsang made a long run and delivered a precise cross to Lee Jinhyun, who found the net from a tight angle, making it 1-1. This was Ulsan's first shot of the game.

Suddenly, the Korean side took control, applying pressure on Fluminense's defense, and scored again just before halftime. After a failure to clear the ball, Lee crossed to Um, whose diving header in the box gave Ulsan a 2-1 lead.

Fluminense leveled the score in the 66th minute. Milosz Trojak attempted to clear Keno’s cross, but the ball remained in the area and fell to Nonato, who calmly slotted his right-footed shot inside the right post for 2-2.

Fluminense regained the lead in the 83rd minute. With Ulsan's defense scrambling to clear the ball, substitute German Cano passed to Juan Freytes, whose first-time shot beat Jo for a 3-2 advantage.

Both teams will play their final group matches on Wednesday, June 25. Fluminense faces Mamelodi Sundowns at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, while Ulsan will compete against Borussia Dortmund at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati.