Liga MX side CF Monterrey delivered a commanding performance at the Rose Bowl Stadium, securing a resounding 4-0 victory over Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds in their final Group E match of the FIFA Club World Cup. This decisive win, coupled with Inter Milan’s concurrent 2-0 victory over River Plate, propelled Rayados into the Round of 16, where they are now set to face German giants Borussia Dortmund in Atlanta.
The result was a do-or-die scenario for Monterrey, who entered the match needing a significant win to advance after drawing their previous two group stage encounters against Inter Milan and River Plate. Urawa Red Diamonds, already eliminated from the competition, were playing for pride but ultimately proved no match for the Mexican club’s attacking prowess.
First-Half Blitz: A Stunning Eight-Minute Spell Decides the Match
The match, played in front of a modest crowd at the iconic Rose Bowl, started with both teams testing each other. Urawa even had an early chance through Yusuke Matsuo, but Ricardo Chavez’s timely block averted the danger. However, once Monterrey found their rhythm, the floodgates opened with a sensational burst of goals.
The scoring began in the 30th minute when Colombian midfielder Nelson Deossa unleashed a powerful, swerving 35-yard screamer that left Urawa goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa with no chance. This long-range stunner ignited Monterrey’s attack.
Just four minutes later, in the 34th minute, Germán Berterame doubled the lead. After a precise pass from Alfonso Alvarado, Berterame calmly slotted a low shot into the bottom right corner, further extending Monterrey’s advantage.
The Mexican side saved arguably the best for last in their first-half blitz. In the 38th minute, Jesús “Tecatito” Corona curled a spectacular long-range strike from 30 yards out, which lofted over Nishikawa and into the net, capping off a dominant ten-minute spell that saw Monterrey take a commanding 3-0 lead into halftime.
Second-Half Control and Berterame’s Brace Completes the Rout
With a comfortable lead, Monterrey maintained control in the second half, managing the game while still posing an offensive threat. Urawa attempted to find a consolation goal, with efforts from Ryoma Watanabe, but the Mexican defense, marshaled by captain Sergio Ramos, remained resolute.
Germán Berterame capped off his excellent individual performance by scoring his second goal of the night deep into second-half stoppage time (90+7 minutes). He slid in to poke the ball home from close range, sealing the emphatic 4-0 victory and a comprehensive performance from Rayados.
Man of the Match, Germán Berterame, reflected on the victory: “We got a win, that is what we were looking for. There was a lot of sacrifice in the match. It was a tough start, from the very first match until now, they were all tough. So we grind our teeth and go for it.”
What’s Next: A Clash with Borussia Dortmund
The victory means Monterrey finishes second in Group E, setting up an intriguing Round of 16 clash against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, July 2nd, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Borussia Dortmund secured the top spot in Group F with a 1-0 win over Ulsan Hyundai.
For Monterrey, advancing to the knockout stages is a significant achievement, especially considering the competitive nature of their group. Their performance against Urawa demonstrated their attacking firepower and resilience, providing confidence as they prepare to face one of Europe’s top clubs. Captain Sergio Ramos underscored the team’s belief, stating, “This is a hugely important step for us. Expectations were high, and many doubted Rayados could advance… Now, the Round of 16 is essentially a final.”
Urawa Red Diamonds exit the tournament after losing all their group stage matches.
This commanding win not only showcases Monterrey’s potential on the global stage but also sets up a mouth-watering encounter in the next phase of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Keep it BangbetNews For More Club World Cup Updates and Highlights!
Bangbet More Than Win!