Lautaro Martinez at least earned Inter a point. © APA/afp / YURI CORTEZ

Inter and Dortmund drop points at Club World Cup

Inter and Borussia Dortmund disappointed on Tuesday (local time) and started the Club World Cup with a draw.

June 18, 2025

From: apa/dpa

Borussia Dortmund secured a flattering 0-0 draw against Brazilian side Fluminense in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Inter Milan then had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Mexican club Monterrey in Los Angeles. River Plate of Buenos Aires beat Urawa Red Diamonds 3-1, and Mamelodi Sundowns beat Ulsan 1-0.

In front of 34.736 spectators at MetLife Stadium, BVB struggled. Fluminense, with 40-year-old captain and defensive leader Thiago Silva, created good opportunities but couldn't beat BVB goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. The Brazilians, winners of the 2023 South American Copa Libertadores, were clearly superior and put their opponents under considerable pressure.

Jobe Bellingham made his first appearance in a BVB jersey. © APA / DAVID RAMOS

For Dortmund, €30 million new signing Jobe Bellingham made his debut in the black and yellow jersey just under an hour into the game. Dortmund were tentative in their approaching goal in the closing stages, and Fluminense also missed chances to score the winner.

Inter weak

In Group E, Inter fell behind against Monterrey thanks to an old acquaintance. 39-year-old Sergio Ramos headed the Mexicans into the lead after a corner in the 25th minute. Before and after that, Inter missed several good chances, but managed to equalize at 1-1 thanks to Lautaro Martinez's free-kick variation (42nd minute).

Christian Chivu botched his debut as Inter coach. © APA / STU FORSTER

In the second half, the Champions League finalists remained the dominant team, with Martinez missing a perfect chance to seal the win. However, the Italians were also fortunate when Monterrey's Sergio Canales hit the post (63').