Sergio Ramos scores stunning header as Monterrey hold on for draw and Inter’s Champions League hangover continues at Club World Cup

Monterrey earned a surprising and valuable 1-1 draw against Champions League runners-up Inter - a result that will surely please new manager Domènec Torrent, as it came against the toughest opponent in their Club World Cup group. Despite River Plate’s 3-1 win over Urawa Red Diamonds, Monterrey emerged as Group E’s big winners on Tuesday.

The scoreboard changed in the 25th minute with a classic goal from Sergio Ramos - a powerful header, his trademark move. Ramos rose above Francesco Acerbi in the box to put Rayados ahead 1-0, delivering a shock lead at the Rose Bowl. It was his fourth goal in Club World Cup competition, the previous three having been scored during his time with Real Madrid.

"Our intention was to play them on equal terms," Ramos told reporters after the match. "Maybe in the first half we struggled a bit more with losing possession due to some nerves, but in the second half we were able to build up more and keep the ball better. We also managed to create chances a bit more easily."

In the 42nd minute, Inter leveled the score with a beautifully worked play that looked straight out of a sportsbook’s script. Lautaro Martínez made it 1-1 for the Italian side.

In the second half, Sergio Canales nearly restored Rayados’ lead with a thunderous shot that crashed against Jan Sommer’s left post - the Inter goalkeeper could only watch as the ball bounced away. Then, in the 67th minute, Martínez had a goal disallowed for offside.

From there, the game tilted heavily in favor of Christian Chivu's team, who went all-out in attack in search of the win in another managerial debut. Monterrey held firm, though both teams were clearly worn down by the intense heat in Los Angeles.

We had a good first half, despite being behind," Chivu told reporters, reflecting on his team's performance. "In the second half, we were slower. We lacked a bit of grit in front of goal. The boys gave it their all. We have to keep finding more and more solutions and be ready for the upcoming matches.”

Ramos, a four-time winner in this tournament with Real Madrid, praised his team's effort and the fact it still managed to create a few late chances despite being largely outplayed by Inter in all areas of the field.

"When you don’t win and don’t get the three points, obviously, you don’t go home happy and feeling 100 percent," Ramos said. "It’s true that it was a match against a very tough opponent, a Champions League finalist. We knew how difficult it would be and the physical effort it would require."

Ramos became the oldest player to score in a Club World Cup at 39 years, two months, and 18 days old. Javier Zanetti, Nicolás Otamendi, and Ángel Di María had previously been the oldest scorers, all at 37 years of age. Additionally, the team from Monterrey has scored at least one goal in 12 of the 13 matches they have played in their Club World Cup appearances.

Sergio Ramos: The Spanish veteran was key in leading Monterrey to this crucial result in their Club World Cup debut. Against a heavily favored Inter side, Ramos opened the scoring with a trademark header and was a calming, commanding presence in defense. His leadership and experience helped keep Esteban Andrada's goal safe in the second half, earning him clear MVP honors for Torrent’s squad.

Inter Milan or River Plate: It’s still too early to determine which team was most negatively affected by this result. Martinez pointed to the high temperatures and the condition of the pitch as being partially responsible for Inter's struggles against Monterrey on Tuesday. He also mentioned Chivu's new defensive scheme on set pieces, using zonal marking, is something the team will have to adjust to.

“The pitch didn't help, we struggled because of it," the striker said following the match. "The pitch was dry… But well, they chose these stadiums and we have to adapt. We did some good things. I'm happy, calm - it was the first match. Now we're defending in zones on set pieces, it's new for us and we need to improve.”

Inter, as the group’s powerhouse, still have a seemingly manageable match against Urawa Reds ahead, and will close the group stage against River Plate. Meanwhile, the Argentinians - despite starting with a win over the Japanese side - must still face Inter in their final group game.

This point earned by Rayados could prove pivotal in their quest to advance to the next round. But with two games left to play, nothing is set in stone - and as always in tournaments like this, early results don’t guarantee anything.

For Monterrey, a do-or-die match is coming up against River Plate, who won their first game 3-1 against Urawa Red Diamonds and took an important step toward qualifying for the next round. The game will be played this Saturday at the Rose Bowl. Meanwhile, Inter has an easier task as they will face the Japanese side on the same day.