River Plate Held to Draw by Sergio Ramos and Monterrey in FIFA Club World Cup

The always cool and composed captain Sergio Ramos (center) effortlessly fends off River Plate strikers Franco Mastantuono (30) and Facundo Colidio (11). Photo by Katareena Roska for Tangent Zine.

In a match showcasing elite football talents like defender Sergio Ramos and goalkeeper Esteban Andrada, CF Monterrey executed a well-structured defensive plan from beginning to end, allowing the Mexican football powerhouse to secure a 0-0 draw against Argentina's most successful club, River Plate.

Monterrey held firm in a tense, tactical stalemate at the vibrant Rose Bowl, witnessed by 57,393 spectators. They frustrated the energetic Argentine team and its numerous fans present, while maintaining their own chances of scoring.

Franco Mastantuono (left), the 17-year-old midfielder from River Plate, set to join Real Madrid next season for a record $72.6 million, tries to get past CF Monterrey's Lucas Ocampos. Photo by Katareena Roska for Tangent Zine.

River Plate, inspired once more by the 17-year-old prodigy Franco Mastantuono, took 18 shots but failed to break through a well-organized Rayados defense. Their most promising opportunities arose in the first half when Gonzalo Martinez volleyed wide, and in the second half, when goalkeeper Gerardo Arteaga cleared off the line after Esteban Andrada was caught out by a cross.

Five-time Concacaf Champions League winners Monterrey controlled 60% of the possession but couldn't take advantage, even after River Plate's Kevin Castaño was shown a second yellow card and sent off during second-half injury time.

Gonzalo Montiel (4) defends Sergio Ramos (93), who, at 39 years old, managed to reverse the clock with his old defensive instincts during CF Monterrey's draw with River Plate. Photo by Katareena Roska for Tangent Zine.

Manager Domenec Torrent's Monterrey is still without a win, having earned two points from two draws, and is under pressure to secure a victory against Urawa Reds on Wednesday at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

River Plate and Inter Milan lead Group E, each with four points. They are set to face off in a crucial match on Wednesday at Lumen Field in Seattle. With the current standings, the final outcome in Group E is still up in the air.