The group stage is hitting full stride, and Matchday Four delivered another round of high-stakes action across the United States. CA River Plate showed their class in Seattle, Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund played out a tactical stalemate, Mamelodi Sundowns edged Ulsan HD in a tight contest, and Monterrey held firm against European heavyweights Inter Milan.
Fluminense FC vs Borussia Dortmund
Brazil’s Fluminense controlled the early tempo, with Jhon Arias and Martinelli forcing Germany’s Borussia Dortmund onto the back foot. But Gregor Kobel proved immense between the posts, producing a string of crucial saves—especially during a second-half barrage. Despite both sides pushing for a breakthrough, the Group F clash ended goalless, leaving everything to play for. Dortmund next face Mamelodi Sundowns, while Fluminense turn their attention to Ulsan HD.
CA River Plate vs Urawa Red Diamonds
Argentina’s River Plate stamped their authority on Group E with a commanding 3-1 win over Japan’s Urawa. Facundo Colidio opened the scoring with a sharp finish from a Marcos Acuña delivery before Sebastián Driussi doubled the lead, taking advantage of a defensive error. Though Driussi was later forced off injured, River stayed in control. Yusuke Matsuo briefly gave Urawa hope from the penalty spot, but Maxi Meza’s header put the result beyond doubt. River now look ahead to a showdown with Monterrey full of momentum.
Ulsan HD vs Mamelodi Sundowns FC
South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns got their campaign off to a winning start with a gritty 1-0 win over South Korean side Ulsan HD. After having two goals ruled out, Sundowns finally broke through in the 36th minute thanks to Iqraam Rayners, who finished coolly after a clever assist from Lucas Ribeiro. The South Africans now sit atop Group F after the draw between Dortmund and Fluminense, and can seal progression with a result in their next match.
CF Monterrey vs Inter Milan
A heavyweight clash between Mexico’s CF Monterrey and Italy’s Inter Milan lived up to the billing. Sergio Ramos announced himself on the world stage once again, heading home Monterrey’s opener with trademark power and precision. But Inter struck back before the break through Lautaro Martínez, who rounded off a slick attacking move. Both teams pressed for a winner in a tense second half, but the draw means Group E remains finely poised heading into the next round of fixtures.
Results:
Fluminese FC: 0
Borussia Dortmund: 0
CA River Plate: 3 (Facundo COLIDIO 12’, Sebastian DRIUSSI 48’, Maximiliano MEZA 73’)
Urawa Diamonds: 1 (Yusuke MATSUO 58’)
Ulsan HD: 0
Mamelodi Sundowns FC: 1 (Iqraam RAYNERS 36’)
CF Monterrey: 1 (Sergio RAMOS 25’)
Inter Milan: 1 (Lautaro MARTINEZ 42’)
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