Inter Milan staged a dramatic late comeback to defeat Urawa Red Diamonds 2-1 in a thrilling Club World Cup encounter at Lumen Field in Seattle. The Italian giants, runners-up in the UEFA Champions League, found themselves trailing early on against the spirited Asian Champions League winners. Urawa Reds, backed by a fervent contingent of traveling supporters, struck first in the 11th minute through Ryoma Watanabe. Takuro Kaneko initiated the move with a surging run down the right flank before delivering a precise low cross that Watanabe expertly dispatched into the net. Inter, despite their Champions League pedigree, struggled to find their rhythm in the opening stages.
The Nerazzurri, however, did threaten an immediate response. Shortly after conceding, Inter captain Lautaro Martinez came agonizingly close to leveling the score, his powerful header rattling the crossbar. The momentum swung back and forth, with both teams creating chances. Inter’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan squandered a golden opportunity in the second half, missing the target from a promising position. As the clock ticked down, the prospect of a shock defeat loomed large for Inter. Their struggles against the determined Urawa Reds defense raised concerns about their ability to progress in the tournament.
The tide turned definitively in the 78th minute. A Nicolo Barella corner from the left found its way to Martinez, who showcased his acrobatic prowess with a stunning overhead kick, sending the ball into the back of the net and restoring parity. The Argentine striker’s crucial equalizer, mirroring his goal-scoring contribution in Inter’s opening 1-1 draw with Monterrey, breathed new life into his team’s campaign. The late goal injected renewed energy into the Inter Milan side and set the stage for a dramatic finish.
With the score level and time running out, the match appeared destined for a draw. However, deep into stoppage time, a moment of magic unfolded for Inter. A shot from Petar Sucic deflected off teammate Francesco Esposito, falling fortuitously to the feet of 20-year-old substitute Valentin Carboni. The young Argentine, making his first appearance for Inter in over two years following a lengthy injury layoff, coolly slotted the ball home, sparking wild celebrations among the Inter players and fans. Carboni’s dramatic last-gasp winner proved to be a heartbreaker for Urawa Reds, who had fought valiantly throughout the match.
The victory propelled Inter Milan into a strong position to advance to the knockout stages of the Club World Cup. Their comeback demonstrated resilience and the ability to find crucial goals even when facing adversity. For Urawa Reds, the defeat marked their second consecutive loss in the tournament, ending their hopes of progressing further. Despite their early promise and enthusiastic support, the Japanese side ultimately fell short against the European giants.
The contrasting fortunes of the two teams underscored the high stakes of the Club World Cup. For Inter, the victory offered a much-needed boost after a challenging start to the competition. Their ability to overcome a resilient Urawa Reds side highlighted their quality and determination. Conversely, Urawa Reds’ exit served as a reminder of the fierce competition at the global level. Despite their Asian Champions League triumph, they were unable to replicate that success on the world stage. The match served as compelling theatre, showcasing the unpredictable nature of football and the importance of seizing crucial moments The dramatic finale left a lasting impression, underscoring the excitement and intensity of the Club World Cup.
