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Monterrey too strong for Urawa
Pasadena: CF Monterrey scored three goals in nine minutes, two of them spectacular, to beat Urawa Red Diamonds and set up a last-16 FIFA Club World Cup 2025 meeting with Borussia Dortmund in Atlanta.
The defeat ended a disappointing campaign for the Japan's Urawa as they bow out with three defeats.

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The Mexican side fired the first warning shot three minutes into the match when Alfonso Alvarado headed a looping cross off the crossbar. For the next 25 minutes the match was fairly even. Both sides had half-chances, but neither could capitalize.
 
In the 30th minute, however, the match burst into life in stunning style. Nelson Deossa took the ball from just inside the attacking half and lashed a 30-metre blast beyond Shusaku Nishikawa; the ball knuckling and dipping, deceiving the keeper.
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Urawa Reds were caught napping again after a cooling break that followed that opening goal. Rayados doubled their lead as German Berterame coolly side-footed the ball into the far corner after being slipped into the box by Jesus Corona.
 
Moments later, Monterrey moved out sight. Running with the ball roughly 25 metres from goal, Jesus Corona unleashed a right-footed screamer that once again left the Urawa Reds keeper helpless.
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The second half began as the first ended. Rayados broke from their own half and had a four against one opportunity, but this time the Mexican's squandered their chance.
 
As the game wore on, it became evident there would be no comeback. In the dying moments, Berterame netted his second, Monterrey's fourth.

 

Photos: AFP