River Plate and Monterrey play to a scoreless draw at the Rose Bowl as teams remain evenly matched

Club Atletico River Plate squandered their initial opportunity to clinch a spot in the last 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup (CWC), held to a goalless draw by a resolute Monterrey side in Pasadena. Despite the result, Los Millonarios now sit at the summit of Group E.

Following a commendable draw with Inter Milan in their opening encounter, Monterrey came out with determination in their second group fixture, with Sergio Canales forcing a low save from Franco Armani within the first 15 minutes.

As the first half approached the 30-minute mark, Franco Mastantuono, destined for Real Madrid, provided River with their initial shot on target, sending a free-kick over the wall that Esteban Andrada successfully fisted away.

The Argentinian side’s best chance of the half came during stoppage time when Lucas Martínez Quarta wasted a golden opportunity, sending his shot wide after seizing on a loose ball from a corner, leaving the match tightly contested as the referee signalled for half-time.

After the break, Monterrey appeared sluggish and were nearly punished when Andrada misread a lofted cross just before the hour, forcing Gerardo Arteaga to execute a last-minute clearance as Giuliano Galoppo redirected the ball towards goal.

Andrada redeemed himself shortly after, making a commendable save against a curling left-foot drive from Mastantuono within the box.

As the match approached the final quarter, River Plate searched for a victory that would guarantee their progression to the knockout stages, with substitute Miguel Borja testing Andrada unsuccessfully on two separate occasions.

Ultimately, River were left frustrated, especially as Kevin Castano received a second yellow card during stoppage time for a cynical challenge, putting an end to their hopes of a late winner.

Marcelo Gallardo’s team now finds itself above Inter on goal difference but faces a challenging encounter with the UEFA Champions League finalists. Meanwhile, Monterrey will aim to bridge a two-point gap to the top two when they take on Urawa Red Diamonds in their final group match.

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