River Plate’s bid to secure a spot in the knockout stage of the Club World Cup hit a roadblock on Saturday, as they were held to a goalless draw by Mexican side Monterrey at the Pasadena Rose Bowl.
Despite a dominant display, the Argentine giants were undone by wasteful finishing and an inspired performance from Monterrey goalkeeper Esteban Andrada, formerly of River’s fierce rivals Boca Juniors, whose heroics between the posts preserved a crucial point for the Liga MX outfit.
With the draw, Group E remains finely poised ahead of Wednesday’s final round of fixtures. River Plate and Inter Milan are locked on four points apiece, while Monterrey trail with two.
The Mexicans now turn their attention to a must-win clash against Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds, who are already out of contention.
Saturday’s contest, witnessed by 57,393 spectators, saw Monterrey begin brightly. Former Spain international Sergio Canales tested River’s Franco Armani with a low drive just past the 13-minute mark.
As the first half drew to a close, Giuliano Galoppo wasted a golden opportunity, sending his effort high and wide from a central position inside the Monterrey box. The miss drew groans from River’s passionate supporters, but worse was to come.
Just moments later, Lucas Martínez Quarta failed to convert a flicked-on corner, sidefooting wide from point-blank range, a miss that summed up River’s night in front of goal.
The second half followed a similar script. Teenage sensation Franco Mastantuono, set to join Real Madrid after the tournament, was denied in the 67th minute by Andrada, who once again proved impenetrable.
The match lacked rhythm throughout, disrupted by persistent fouling. A total of 23 fouls were committed in the first half alone, leading to a scrappy and disjointed affair.
River squandered yet another clear-cut chance in the 76th minute. Miguel Borja, played through on goal by a sublime pass from Facundo Colidio, could only direct his shot straight at Andrada.
To cap off a frustrating night, River were reduced to ten men in stoppage time when Kevin Castano received a second yellow card and was sent off.
Though they remain in contention, River will need a composed performance in their final group match to ensure progression.
