Inter Milan staged a thrilling late comeback to secure a 2-1 victory over Urawa Red Diamonds in their second Group E match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, played at Lumen Field in Seattle on Saturday, June 21. After falling behind early, the Nerazzurri rallied with a spectacular overhead kick from Lautaro Martinez and a stoppage-time winner by Valentin Carboni to claim their first win under new coach Cristian Chivu.
The match kicked off with Urawa Red Diamonds surprising the Italian giants by taking an early lead in the 11th minute. Ryoma Watanabe capitalized on a slick counter-attack, rounding off the move with a low finish that caught Inter’s defense off guard. Despite dominating possession and territory, Inter found themselves trailing for the second consecutive match in the tournament.
Inter’s approach under Chivu, who had been in charge for just 12 days following Simone Inzaghi’s departure, was characterized by patient build-up and overwhelming control of the ball. The Nerazzurri completed more than 400 passes in the first half alone, boasting 83% possession and attempting nine shots. However, their finishing was lacking, as none of their first-half attempts tested Urawa’s goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa effectively. Lautaro Martinez came close when his header crashed against the crossbar eight minutes after Watanabe’s opener, but Inter’s inability to convert chances left them trailing at halftime.
Urawa Red Diamonds, who had failed to qualify for the AFC Champions League this season, showed remarkable defensive resilience. After scoring, they retreated into a compact defensive block, often shifting between a 4-4-2, 5-3-2, and even a 6-2-2 formation to stifle Inter’s attacks. Their strategy relied heavily on disciplined defending and quick counter-attacks, with wingers Watanabe and Takuro Kaneko providing the main offensive threats. Urawa’s goalkeeper Nishikawa was even booked for time-wasting as the team sought to preserve their lead.
Inter made tactical adjustments in the second half, introducing Henrikh Mkhitaryan for Nicola Zalewski and Valentin Carboni for Kristjan Asllani, among other substitutions. The pressure intensified as Inter flooded the attacking third, firing 12 shots in the second half alone. Mkhitaryan narrowly missed a golden opportunity with a side-footed attempt that went just wide of the goal. Despite their dominance, Urawa’s defensive discipline held firm, with players quickly retreating after missed counter-attacking chances to maintain their defensive shape.
The breakthrough finally came in the 77th minute when Lautaro Martinez delivered a moment of brilliance. Receiving a Nicolo Barella corner, Martinez executed a stunning overhead kick that leveled the score at 1-1. This was Inter’s first shot on target of the match and a crucial morale booster for the side that had been laboring to break down Urawa’s defense.
With the match seemingly headed for a draw, Inter’s persistence paid off deep into stoppage time. Valentin Carboni, the 20-year-old substitute, pounced on a loose ball inside the penalty area during the second minute of added time, slotting the ball home to spark wild celebrations among the Nerazzurri and their fans. This goal not only secured Chivu’s first victory as Inter’s head coach but also eliminated Urawa from the tournament.
Despite the victory, Inter’s performance was marked by a lack of cohesion and creativity for much of the match. The team appeared sluggish and unimaginative, a reflection of their exhausting 61-game campaign and the injuries to key players such as Yann Bisseck, Hakan Calhanoglu, Davide Frattesi, Marcus Thuram, and Piotr Zielinski. Nevertheless, the leadership and grit of captain Lautaro Martinez shone through, providing the spark needed to turn the game around.
Midfielders Nicolo Barella and Kristjan Asllani were instrumental in controlling the tempo, with Asllani actively attempting to create chances despite all four of his shots being blocked or wayward. On the other side, Urawa’s wingers Watanabe and Takuro Kaneko were their primary outlets, consistently threatening on the break and keeping Inter’s defense alert.
The match statistics highlighted the contrasting styles and fortunes of the two teams. Urawa managed only 18% possession and completed 113 passes compared to Inter’s 746, yet their efficiency in front of goal was superior, with two of their four shots on target. Inter’s 26 attempts yielded just four shots on target, with the decisive 26th shot belonging to Carboni’s winner.
This victory propels Inter to the top of Group E with four points from two matches, keeping their hopes alive of progressing to the knockout stages. Their final group game will be against Argentina’s River Plate on Wednesday, June 25, at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Los Angeles, kicking off at 12:00 local time (3:00 CET on June 26). Meanwhile, Urawa Red Diamonds, now bottom of the group and eliminated, will face Mexican side Monterrey at the same time in Los Angeles.
The expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup features 32 teams divided into eight groups of four, marking a significant evolution of the tournament. European heavyweights such as Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Chelsea are among the participants, alongside champions from other continents. Inter Milan’s campaign has been closely followed, with their opening 1-1 draw against Monterrey setting the tone for a challenging group stage.
Fans could watch the Inter vs Urawa clash live and for free via DAZN, the official streaming partner for the tournament, emphasizing the growing accessibility of global football competitions.
Looking ahead, Inter’s narrow win underlines the transitional phase the club is undergoing. With Cristian Chivu at the helm and a squad balancing youthful promise and experienced stalwarts, the Nerazzurri aim to build momentum. Lautaro Martinez remains central to their aspirations, his leadership and knack for crucial goals proving invaluable.
Urawa Red Diamonds, despite their exit, earned plaudits for their tactical discipline and fighting spirit. Their defensive commitment and counter-attacking threats showcased the potential of tournament outsiders to challenge established giants on the world stage.
As the Club World Cup progresses, the drama and unpredictability continue to captivate fans worldwide, with Inter Milan’s late heroics adding another memorable chapter to this expanded global contest.
