Rayados make history at the Club World Cup

Monterrey kicked off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign on the right foot, securing a massive draw against Inter Milan. It may not look like a spectacular result on paper, but its significance for Mexican football is enormous.

Why is this draw so important?

To understand what Rayados achieved, it’s worth noting this is only the second time a Liga MX team has managed to earn at least a draw against a UEFA side in this tournament. The first was Necaxa, who drew with Manchester United in the group stage of the inaugural Club World Cup, and later tied Real Madrid in the third-place match before beating them in a penalty shootout.

The feat is even more impressive when you consider the gap between the two squads. Monterrey didn’t just face the runner-up of the Champions League and Serie A, but one of the most valuable teams in the world. While Rayados’ squad is valued at 77.6 million dollars, Inter’s is worth over 830 million. To put it into perspective: Lautaro Martínez alone is worth more than the entire Monterrey roster.

The hero: Sergio Ramos

The Mexican side’s goal came from a set piece. Sergio Ramos, captain and leader, rose above everyone to deliver a lethal header and find the back of the net. With that goal, the Spaniard became the hero of the night, showing his leadership both on and off the pitch.

"When you don’t win and don’t get the three points, of course you don’t go home 100% happy. It was a really tough match against a Champions League finalist. We knew how hard it would be, the physical demands, but our intention was always to go toe-to-toe with them," said the defender after the game.

What’s next for Monterrey?

The point earned against Inter feels like gold for the team from Monterrey, but this is just the beginning. Next up, Domènec Torrent’s side will battle River Plate, the current group leaders, with a spot in the next round on the line. They’ll then close out the group stage against Urawa Reds — a match that looks easier on paper, but will only matter if they arrive with a real shot at advancing. Otherwise, that historic draw against Inter Milan will be nothing more than a bittersweet memory.