Club Atlético River Plate missed their first chance to secure a last-16 place at the FIFA Club World Cup (CWC), after they were held to a goalless draw by a dogged Monterrey side in Pasadena, although the result has moved Los Millonarios to the top of Group E.
After holding Inter Milan to a point on matchday one, Monterrey made a promising start to their second group stage encounter, with Sergio Canales forcing Franco Armani to make a save low down to his right in the opening 15 minutes.
As the half neared the half-hour mark, Real Madrid-bound Franco Mastantuono registered River’s first shot on target, whipping a free-kick over the wall for Esteban Andrada to punch away from danger.
As it proved, River’s best moment of the half arrived in stoppage time when Lucas Martínez Quarta spurned a gilt-edged opportunity, steering his shot wide after latching onto a loose ball from a corner, leaving a tense contest finely poised as the referee blew the half-time whistle.
The Mexican side made a sluggish start when the action resumed, and were fortunate not to fall behind when Andrada misjudged a lofted cross just before the hour mark, requiring Gerardo Arteaga to produce a last-ditch clearance after Giuliano Galoppo had diverted the ball goalwards.
The Monterrey goalkeeper went some way to immediately making amends for his moment of panic when he reacted well to Mastantuono’s curling left-foot shot from inside the box.
As the contest entered the final 15 minutes, the Argentinian side continued their quest to find a winner that would seal a last-16 spot, as substitute Miguel Borja tried and failed on two occasions to get the better of Andrada.
River were ultimately left frustrated, especially as Kevin Castano received his second yellow in stoppage time for a cynical foul, effectively ending any late hopes of finding a winner.
Marcelo Gallardo’s charges have moved above Inter on goal difference, but now face an almighty test against the UEFA Champions League finalists, while Monterrey will attempt to overturn a two-point gap to the top two in their final group game against Urawa Red Diamonds.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Gerardo Arteaga (Monterrey)
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