River Plate vs Inter Milan: Esposito and Dumfries Shine as Inter Reach Club World Cup Knockouts

Fireworks on the Pitch: Inter Milan Deliver as River Plate See Red

Pressure was sky-high at King Abdullah Sports City when Inter Milan met River Plate in what felt like a do-or-die clash in Group E of the FIFA Club World Cup. Both teams arrived with knockout ambitions, but only Inter left with their dreams alive, thanks to a blend of youthful spark and hard-nosed experience.

Francesco Pio Esposito, the 19-year-old forward whose first-team minutes have been scarce, found himself thrust into the starting lineup. He grabbed the spotlight without blinking, breaking the deadlock in the 72nd minute—just his second match in Inter colors. The goal was textbook: sharp run, clean finish, no hesitation. He looked nothing like a rookie. Denzel Dumfries, known for his pace and physicality, gave River's right side trouble all evening, supporting both attack and defense. This one-two punch set the tone for Inter, who looked far more dangerous as the match wore on.

River Plate went with their trusted names: veteran Franco Armani in goal, Gonzalo Montiel returning to his roots after his European stint, and experienced Marcos Acuña marshaling the defense. But the Argentine side struggled to click up front. Inter’s defense, anchored by Alessandro Bastoni, held firm, keeping River’s attackers at bay.

Red Cards and Post-Match Sparks: River Plate's Frustration Boils Over

Late in the game, nerves snapped for River. The trouble started when Lucas Martínez Quarta brought down Lautaro Martínez as the last man—a straight red. It was a blow River couldn't absorb, and the cracks widened in stoppage time. Gonzalo Montiel, having already picked up a yellow, saw a second for a reckless challenge, leaving River down to nine men.

Inter capitalized instantly. Bastoni, not usually the one to pop up in the opponents’ box, bagged Inter’s second deep into added time. He pounced on a loose ball, slotting home to kill off the game for good. In the dying minutes, tempers threatened to spill over. Acuña confronted Dumfries—you could tell the sense of injustice ran deep. The official blew for full-time just as things started to heat up, with players needing to be separated in the aftermath.

This game had everything: breakout heroics, crunching tackles, and a sense of occasion. The result? Inter Milan advances as group winners with 7 points and a date with Fluminense in the next round. Monterrey squeezed through in second, while River Plate’s campaign stops here, undone by discipline and missed chances.