The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 delivered a pulsating Group E clash on June 21, 2025, as Inter Milan faced off against Urawa Red Diamonds at Lumen Field in Seattle. In a match filled with drama, Inter Milan staged a late comeback to secure a 2-1 victory, keeping their hopes alive for advancing to the knockout stages. This SEO-optimized article dives into the match highlights, key moments, player performances, and what this result means for both teams in the tournament.
Match Overview: Inter Milan’s Dramatic Turnaround
Inter Milan, one of Italy’s footballing giants, entered the match under pressure after a 1-1 draw against Monterrey in their opening Group E fixture. Urawa Red Diamonds, the Japanese J1 League side, were also seeking their first points following a 3-1 defeat to River Plate. The stage was set for a high-stakes encounter, with both teams desperate to boost their chances of reaching the round of 16.
The game started with a shock as Urawa took the lead in the 11th minute through Ryoma Watanabe. However, Inter Milan’s resilience shone through, with captain Lautaro Martínez scoring a spectacular overhead kick in the 78th minute to level the score. The decisive moment came in stoppage time when substitute Valentin Carboni pounced on a rebound to secure a 2-1 win, sending Inter fans into raptures and eliminating Urawa from the tournament.
Key Moments of the Inter Milan vs Urawa Red Diamonds Match
Early Shock: Urawa’s Lightning Start
Urawa Red Diamonds stunned Inter Milan early on with a well-executed counter-attack. Takuro Kaneko’s precise cutback found Watanabe unmarked at the penalty spot, and the winger’s low finish, aided by a deflection off Matteo Darmian, gave the Japanese side a 1-0 lead. This goal marked the first time an Asian team scored against an Italian side in Club World Cup history, showcasing Urawa’s threat on the break.
Inter’s First-Half Dominance Falls Short
Despite conceding early, Inter Milan controlled the first half, holding 82% possession and firing 12 shots. However, their finishing let them down, with all nine attempts in the first 45 minutes missing the target. Lautaro Martínez came closest, rattling the crossbar with a header in the 19th minute, but Urawa’s compact defense held firm.
Martínez’s Magic Moment
The turning point came in the 78th minute when Inter captain Lautaro Martínez produced a moment of brilliance. A corner kick was flicked on, and Martínez executed a stunning overhead kick to beat Urawa goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa. The goal, Martínez’s 24th of the season across all competitions, sparked Inter’s comeback and shifted the momentum.
Carboni’s Stoppage-Time Heroics
With Urawa clinging to a draw, Inter substitute Valentin Carboni delivered the knockout blow in the second minute of stoppage time. A shot from Nicolò Barella was parried by Nishikawa, and Carboni reacted quickest to smash the rebound into the net. The 20-year-old’s first goal for Inter sealed a dramatic 2-1 victory and eliminated Urawa from the competition.
Player Performances: Stars of the Match
Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan)
Inter’s captain was the standout performer, earning praise for his grit and clinical finishing. His acrobatic equalizer showcased his world-class ability, and he led the line with relentless energy. Martínez’s 10 goals in 10 international matches in 2025 underline his importance to Inter’s ambitions.
Nicolò Barella (Inter Milan)
Barella was a driving force in midfield, creating seven chances and completing 63 passes in the final third. His tireless work rate and creativity kept Inter’s attack ticking, and his shot in stoppage time led to Carboni’s winner.
Ryoma Watanabe (Urawa Red Diamonds)
Watanabe was Urawa’s brightest spark, scoring the opening goal and threatening on the counter. His missed one-on-one in the first half could have changed the outcome, but his performance highlighted Urawa’s potential to trouble top teams.
Takuro Kaneko (Urawa Red Diamonds)
Kaneko’s assist for Watanabe’s goal and his pace on the wing caused problems for Inter’s defense. Despite Urawa’s low possession (18%), Kaneko’s directness kept Inter on edge.
Tactical Analysis: Inter’s Persistence Pays Off
Under new manager Cristian Chivu, Inter Milan stuck to their possession-based style, completing 746 passes compared to Urawa’s 113. However, their early lack of cutting edge exposed vulnerabilities, with Urawa’s counter-attacks proving dangerous. Chivu’s decision to introduce Carboni and Francesco Pio Esposito in the second half added fresh legs and attacking impetus, ultimately tipping the scales in Inter’s favor.
Urawa, managed by Maciej Skorza, adopted a disciplined low-block approach, absorbing pressure and looking to hit Inter on the break. While their resilience nearly earned a point, defensive lapses in the final stages proved costly.
Group E Standings and What’s Next
The victory moved Inter Milan to four points after two matches, placing them second in Group E behind River Plate, who have a better goal difference. Urawa Red Diamonds, with zero points, are bottom and cannot qualify for the last 16. Inter’s final group game against River Plate on June 25, 2025, will be crucial for securing a knockout berth, while Urawa face Monterrey on the same day.
How to Watch FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Matches
Fans can catch all FIFA Club World Cup 2025 matches, including Inter Milan vs Urawa Red Diamonds highlights, on DAZN, which streams all 63 games for free globally. In India, the match was not televised but was available via live stream on DAZN’s website. For those abroad, using a VPN like NordVPN can ensure access to DAZN’s coverage.
Why This Match Matters for Inter Milan
Inter Milan’s comeback victory was a statement of intent in a tournament where European sides are expected to dominate. After a disappointing draw against Monterrey, this win showcased their depth and determination, even without key players like Denzel Dumfries and Marcus Thuram due to injuries. With the knockout stages in sight, Inter will look to build on this momentum against River Plate.
For Urawa Red Diamonds, the defeat was heartbreaking but highlighted their ability to compete with elite teams. Their early goal and resilient performance will give them confidence as they return to the J1 League, where they currently sit fifth with 34 points.
Conclusion: A Match to Remember
The Inter Milan vs Urawa Red Diamonds clash at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 was a thrilling spectacle that encapsulated the drama of global club football. Lautaro Martínez’s overhead kick and Valentin Carboni’s stoppage-time winner secured a vital win for Inter, while Urawa’s spirited display earned them respect despite the loss. As Inter Milan prepare for their showdown with River Plate, this match will be remembered as a turning point in their Club World Cup campaign.
For the latest FIFA Club World Cup updates, match schedules, and live streaming details, visit DAZN or follow Inter Milan’s official website. Stay tuned for more action from the world’s biggest club tournament.
