Inter Milan stormed into the Club World Cup last 16 with a fiery 2-0 win over River Plate — but the drama didn’t stop at full-time.
🔥 Teen sensation Francesco Esposito netted his first Inter goal before Alessandro Bastoni sealed it deep in stoppage time. River lost their heads — and two players — before ugly scenes erupted as fans hurled missiles and players clashed at the final whistle at Seattle’s Lumen Field.
“We got the job done, that’s what matters,” said boss Cristian Chivu. “Tough first half, better control in the second.”
Esposito, just 19, showed serious composure to fire home after shaking his marker, while Bastoni’s late goal means Inter now face Fluminense next Monday.
River boss Marcelo Gallardo admitted:
“It’s a shame for the fans… we couldn’t give them more.”
🇧🇷 Brazilian clubs on fire
It’s a proper samba takeover at the Club World Cup. Flamengo, Palmeiras, Botafogo, and Fluminense are all through to the last 16 — with at least one guaranteed in the quarters.
- Flamengo shocked Chelsea 3-1 to top their group.
- Botafogo stunned PSG.
- Fluminense held Mamelodi Sundowns to a 0-0 to secure second behind Dortmund.
- Palmeiras eased through and now face Botafogo this weekend.
“Getting to the last 16 was just the start,” said Fluminense’s Jhon Arias.
🇲🇽 Monterrey crush it
Monterrey turned on the style with a 4-0 demolition of Urawa Red Diamonds to book a last-16 date with Dortmund.
Goals flew in:
- 🔥 Nelson Deossa from 35 yards
- âš˝ German Berterame cool as ice
- 🚀 Jesus Corona with a rocket
- ⏱️ Berterame again in stoppage time
It’s shaping up to be a wild knockout round.
