This Group E encounter of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be played between the 2022 AFC Champions League winner Urawa Red Diamonds and Liga MX club CF Monterrey on June 26th at the Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena.
Here’s our preview and prediction for the game.
Urawa Reds have already been knocked out of the tournament with two losses out of two while Monterrey are still in with a chance if they can win their last group game.
The Urawa Reds were really unfortunate to concede a late goal against Inter. They were the better of the two teams in the early period and scored the opener in the 11th minute from Ryoma Watanabe. However, Inter came back late in the game like all top teams do with captain Lautaro Martínez scoring from a superb bicycle kick from a corner routine in the 78th minute. Urawa Reds’ hearts were broken late in stoppage-time when Valentin Carboni placed the ball into the far corner to grab all three points for the Italians. For the former AFC Champions League winners, it was still a great performance against one of the top clubs in European football.
As for Monterrey, their performance against River Plate wasn’t great as they were lucky to get away with a draw, all thanks to their goalkeeper Esteban Andrada. The Argentine goalkeeper was brilliant between the sticks and left River Plate frustrated as they dominated the game and should have scored.
Andrada made two fabulous saves in the second half from Franco Mastantuono and Miguel Borja to secure a point for his side. If Monterrey wants to qualify for the Round of 16, it’s a must win game for them to see them through to the knockout round.
Since Urawa Reds are already out of the tournament, winning this game would be a matter of pride along with staggering monetary benefit (£1.5m) while Monterrey’s qualification rests on this game.
Looking at the Urawa Reds starting lineup, Ryoma Watanabe and Takuro Kaneko both impressed against Inter and will start in attack. Their defensive lineup will also remain the same as they did keep the Inter forwards in check for 90 minutes.
As for Monterrey, former Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos will captain the side. Jorge Rodriguez will be missing from the final group match after the midfielder picked up consecutive yellow cards in the first two fixtures. Nelson Deossa could be partnered by Oliver Torres.
If we compare the two teams, Monterrey’s defensive solidity will make it difficult for the Urawa Reds to score and Monterrey do have the players up front to make a difference. Hence my prediction would be a comfortable win for the Mexican outfit.
Score Prediction: Urawa Red Diamonds 0-2 CF Monterrey
Venue: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, California
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