River Plate vs Monterrey Club World Cup Lineups & Preview | Group E Clash
Full starting lineups tactical preview team news and match insights ahead of River Plate vs Monterrey in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Group E
Match Overview
On Saturday June 21 2025 River Plate face Monterrey Rayados in a crucial Group E encounter at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena California. Kickoff is set for 18.00 PDT 19.00 Mexico City time .
River Plate come into this match after a dominant 3‑1 victory over Urawa Red Diamonds while Monterrey managed a 1‑1 draw against Inter Milan .
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River Plate Starting XI
Coach Marcelo Gallardo
Formation 4‑3‑3
- GK Franco Armani
- Defense Gonzalo Montiel Lucas Martínez Quarta Germán Pezzella Marcos Acuña
- Midfield Castaño Galoppo Fernández
- Attack Franco Mastantuono Miguel Borja Facundo Colidio
Unavailable Players
- Sebastián Driussi ankle injury
- Enzo Pérez doubtful
Player to Watch 17 year old Franco Mastantuono who starred in River’s opener with a goal and assist .
🇲🇽 Monterrey Rayados Starting XI
Coach Domènec Torrent
Formation 3‑5‑2 3‑4‑3
- GK Esteban Andrada
- Defense Jesús Gallardo César Montes Sergio Ramos captain Gerardo Arteaga
- Midfield Luis Romo Deossa Sergio Canales Alfonso González
- Attack Germán Berterame Lucas Ocampos
Key Figure Veteran center back Sergio Ramos who scored versus Inter and leads the backline at age 39 .
Tactical Outlook
River Plate are favorites with their cohesive attack and strong aerial game. All three goals against Urawa came from headers . Monterrey’s defensive structure led by Ramos poses a serious challenge .
While River may dominate possession Monterrey are dangerous on the counter and boast a more experienced core .
What to Watch
- Mastantuono’s flair and creativity
- Ramos’ leadership and aerial ability
- Midfield control where transitions will be key
A win for River Plate would secure advancement while Monterrey need at least a point to stay in contention for the knockout stage .