Ramos, 39, Still a Battler

Spanish veteran not fully pleased despite netting Monterrey's opener in 1-1 Inter draw

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PASADENA - Spanish great Sergio Ramos may be 39, but he still managed to score as Monterrey held Inter Milan 1-1 in a hard-fought Club World Cup Group E opener in Pasadena on June 17.

Argentinian striker Lautaro Martinez scored a well-worked equaliser to cancel out Ramos' opener for the Mexican side in front of 40,311 fans at the Rose Bowl.

Inter, playing their first game since being thrashed 5-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, were left rueing their failure to turn their dominance of possession and territory into goals.

But the draw was a boost for Monterrey, who face Argentina's River Plate in their next game on June 21.

"When you don't get all three points you're never entirely happy," said Ramos, the former Spain and Real Madrid defender.

"But one point is better than no point.

"They were a tough opponent and have just played in the final of the Champions League. We were a little bit nervous but in the second half we stayed organised and kept the ball better.

"Now we need to think about the next game."

Inter coach Cristian Chivu said his team had struggled to break down a Monterrey team who sat deep for long periods.

"We played well in the first half even though we went behind," he said. "We could have attacked better in the second half. It's not easy to play against a very low block."