On Sunday at 3:00 a.m. Italian time, River Plate faces Monterrey in the second match of Group E of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. With the help of our expert Frank Monkhouse, we take a look at the key facts, the best bets and the most interesting odds. Two teams looking to advance to the quarterfinals in a clash that promises fireworks.
The action at the 2025 Club World Cup continues on Sunday when world-renowned Argentine side River Plate take on Mexican outfit Monterrey. The Rose Bowl in Pasadena will provide the backdrop for a match that fans in their armchairs will hope lives up to the hype. We’ve already seen some exciting games in the US – will this be another one?
River Plate got off to a dream start when they won their first match, putting them straight to the top of the table. Will the team known as “Los Millonarios” be able to defend their place and maintain their pole position? Traders on the leading online betting sites are convinced they will and have them as favorites in the pre-match odds.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned from the first round of the 2025 Club World Cup, it’s to expect the unexpected. There have already been plenty of upsets, and Monterrey is looking to cause another one in front of a global audience. The Liga MX side drew last time out; can they do better this time?
Tips for River Plate vs. Monterrey, Sunday, June 22, 3:00 a.m.
River Plate to win – 2.10 at bet365, 2.05 at and 2.05 at GoldBet
The match ends 0-0 – odds 8.00 on bet365, 8.50 on and 8.00 on GoldBet
River Plate to win without conceding – odds 3.40 on bet365, 3.30 on and 3.20 on GoldBet
Odds courtesy of bet365, Planetwin365 and GoldBet. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
River Plate gets off to a good start
River Plate is arguably Argentina’s most famous club. It boasts 38 titles in the top flight, the last of which was won in 2023. However, in 2024, it finished only fifth in the league, with 16 games without a win out of 27 and 21 goals conceded. Qualification for the Club World Cup came thanks to its best finish in the CONMEBOL four-year ranking.
In its third appearance in the competition, River has big ambitions. Enzo Francescoli’s team got off to a great start with a 3-1 win over Urawa Reds at Lumen Field in Seattle. Despite being favored by the bookmakers, few expected such a clear victory against the Japanese side. What looked like a balanced contest turned into a one-sided affair.
The Millonarios broke the deadlock early on with Colidio in the first ten minutes. The goal gave the team confidence, and they doubled their lead early in the second half with Driussi. The Urawa Reds pulled one back from the penalty spot, but Meza sealed the deal with a third goal in the final minutes. It was a solid and convincing performance, although they will need to raise their game further to go far in the tournament.
Tip: River Plate to win – odds 2.10 at bet365, 2.05 at and 2.05 at GoldBet
Explanation of the bet: if River Plate wins the match, the bet is a winner.
Monterrey held out against Inter
Monterrey, seventh in the Liga MX regular season and then eliminated in the quarter-finals of the final phase, arrived in the United States with a desire to redeem themselves in the eyes of their fans. Placed in Group E of the 2025 Club World Cup alongside Inter, Urawa Red Diamonds, and River Plate, the Mexican team was met with skepticism: few gave them a real chance of qualifying.
Their debut against Inter seemed doomed from the start. Instead, against all odds, Monterrey put in a performance full of character, holding the Nerazzurri to a 1-1 draw. It was a hard-fought match and more spectacular than the result suggests, leaving the Mexicans with a precious point and a good dose of confidence.
Sergio Ramos gave Monterrey the lead in the 25th minute, surprising Inter with an unexpected goal. Lautaro Martínez then equalized shortly before halftime. In front of over 40,000 spectators, both teams had their chances to win. Curiously, Monterrey finished with just 38% possession and only one shot on target: the goal. It was a solid performance that will give River Plate food for thought ahead of the next match.
Tip: the match will end 0-0 – odds 8.00 on bet365, 8.50 on and 8.00 on GoldBet
Explanation of the bet: if neither team scores, the bet wins.
River Plate wants a repeat
After a convincing win in their opening game against Urawa Reds, we are ready to back River Plate again. The Argentine side showed defensive solidity, organization, and great attacking incisiveness, proving dangerous every time they crossed the halfway line. The goal now is to replicate that performance and secure another win in front of the Rose Bowl crowd.
Monterrey impressed against Inter, forcing them to a draw, but it must be said that they scored with their only shot on goal and were more defensive for most of the game. The Italians, still settling in after their Champions League final defeat and a change of coach, failed to capitalize on their dominance in possession.
We believe River has what it takes to get another three points and secure their place in the quarter-finals. For those looking for higher odds, you could also consider the option “River Plate to win without conceding a goal,” or bet on ‘No’ in the “Both teams to score” market. Two sensible choices for those who trust the Argentine defense.
Tip: River Plate to win without conceding – odds of 3.40 at bet365, 3.30 at and 3.20 at GoldBet
Explanation of the bet: if River Plate wins without conceding, this bet is a winner.
River Plate – Monterrey odds
River Plate to win – odds of 2.10 on bet365, 2.05 on and 2.05 on GoldBet
Draw – odds of 3.40 on bet365, 3.30 on and 3.25 on GoldBet
Monterrey to win – odds 3.40 on bet365, 3.50 on and 3.50 on GoldBet
The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.
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