River Plate vs. Monterrey: Projected lineups for key FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group E clash

With Group E heating up, now River Plate and Monterrey are set to face each other in a key game for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

River Plate and Monterrey are set to meet on Matchday 2 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 at the Rose Bowl Stadium this Sunday at 9 p.m. ET. With a spot in the round of 16 on the line, both Group E sides are expected to go all out in a game that could determine their future in the tournament.

The Argentine side is riding high after a 3-1 win over Urawa Red Diamonds, marking the first game in tournament history with all three goals coming from headers. River now have their sights set on another win, a result that would secure their place in the round of 16.

Monterrey, meanwhile, are coming off a hard-fought 1-1 draw against group favorites Inter Milan, having taken the lead with a header from Sergio Ramos. With Urawa still ahead on their schedule, three points against River would go a long way toward avoiding complications on the final matchday.

Real Madrid past vs. future

While both teams battle for a comfortable position in Group E, River Plate vs. Monterrey also features a fascinating subplot: two generations tied to Real Madrid — Sergio Ramos and Franco Mastantuono.

Ramos (39) became a club legend during his illustrious career at Real Madrid, widely regarded as one of the best centerbacks in history. Mastantuono, just 17, is set to join Los Blancos in August after the Spanish giants activated his €45 million release clause. It remains to be seen whether experience will prevail or if youth will steal the spotlight.

Projected lineups for River Plate and Monterrey

River Plate’s projected lineups (4-3-2-1): Franco Armani; Gonzalo Montiel, German Pezzella, Lucas Martinez Quarta, Marcos Acuña; Enzo Perez, Kevin Castaño, Nacho Fernandez; Franco Mastantuono, Maximiliano Meza; Facundo Colidio.
Head coach: Marcelo Gallardo.

Monterrey’s projected lineups (4-2-3-1): Esteban Andrada; Ricardo Chavez, Sergio Ramos, Victor Guzman, Gerardo Arteaga; Jorge Rodriguez, Oliver Torres; Nelson Deossa, Sergio Canales, Lucas Ocampos; Germán Berterame.
Head coach: Domenec Torrent Font.