In an intense and exciting FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group-stage match, Inter Milan defeated Urawa Red Diamonds 2-1 in what turned out to be a nail-biting finish. The match, played as part of Group E, saw drama from the very beginning until the final whistle. Fans witnessed great goals, unexpected turns, and a thrilling comeback from the Italian giants.
Urawa Takes a Surprise Lead
From the opening minutes, Urawa Red Diamonds played with courage and confidence. In just the 11th minute, Japanese midfielder Ryoma Watanabe stunned Inter by scoring a goal that caught the defense off guard. He controlled the ball skillfully and placed a low shot past the Inter goalkeeper. The early lead lifted Urawa’s energy and made Inter look nervous. The goal gave hope to fans who believed that Urawa could pull off a major upset.
Despite being the underdogs, Urawa kept up the pressure for the first 30 minutes. Their defense stayed solid, and they won duels in midfield. Meanwhile, Inter Milan struggled to find rhythm and looked slightly frustrated. They had more ball possession but couldn’t break through Urawa’s disciplined backline.
Inter Milan Tries to Regain Control
As the first half progressed, Inter slowly began to show signs of improvement. They passed the ball better, found spaces on the wings, and tested the Urawa goalkeeper a few times. However, the Japanese side remained disciplined and alert, clearing every threat that came their way. By halftime, Inter had not scored, and Urawa still held their one-goal advantage.
In the second half, Inter coach Simone Inzaghi made tactical changes to add more speed and control to the midfield. He told the team to stay calm and not panic. “We just needed one goal to change everything,” Inzaghi said later.
Urawa’s Struggle to Respond
Urawa Reds came out in the second half looking to bounce back, but they couldn’t break down Inter’s strong defense. Their best chance came in the 58th minute, when forward Shinzo Koroki tried a header from close range, but it went just over the bar.

Despite the energy and support from fans in the stands, Urawa lacked the attacking creativity to make a real comeback. Inter’s midfield trio of Çalhanoğlu, Barella, and Mkhitaryan continued to dominate possession, cutting off passing lanes and pushing Urawa deeper into their half.
Lautaro Martínez Fires Inter Back into the Game
Inter Milan’s breakthrough came in the 78th minute when star forward Lautaro Martínez finally found the net. It started with a beautiful build-up from the midfield, followed by a clever pass into the box. Lautaro received the ball with precision and struck it firmly past the keeper. His celebration showed how much the goal meant to him and the team. The score was now tied 1-1, and Inter was full of momentum.

Martínez later said, “We knew it would be tough. Urawa played with heart, but we trusted each other. I’m happy I could help us get back.”
Quotes from the Managers
After the match, Inter coach Simone Inzaghi said:
“I’m proud of how the team performed today. We stayed focused, controlled the pace, and played our football. It’s important to start strong in this kind of tournament.”
Urawa Reds coach Maciej Skorża acknowledged the gap in quality:
“Inter are a top European team with world-class players. We gave our best, but we must improve if we want to compete at this level.”
Next Round for Both Team?
With this win, Inter Milan takes a strong step toward qualifying for the next round of the FIFA Club World Cup. They now sit in a better position in Group E and carry positive momentum into their next match. Their comeback performance proved that even when trailing, they have the skill and leadership to turn games around.
For Urawa Red Diamonds, the result is disappointing, but their performance earned them respect. They fought hard, played as a team, and made one of Europe’s top clubs work for every goal. Their next match will be crucial if they hope to stay alive in the tournament.
At Last Inter Milan Gain Advantages.
Inter Milan’s 2-1 win over Urawa Reds showed their quality, discipline, and ambition. From start to finish, they dominated and left no doubts about their intentions in this year’s Club World Cup. Urawa, on the other hand, can hold their heads high for competing bravely, but the difference in class was clear. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Inter to see if they can maintain their title charge.