LOS ANGELES, June. 17 (Xinhua) -- UEFA Champions League runners-up Inter Milan were held to a 1-1 draw by Mexican champions Monterrey in Group E of the FIFA Club World Cup on Tuesday.

Spanish defender Sergio Ramos gave Monterrey an early lead with a powerful header, before Lautaro Martinez leveled for Inter following a well-worked free-kick routine.

The Nerazzurri controlled the tempo from the opening whistle, but Monterrey capitalized on their only real first-half chance. The 38-year-old Ramos rose high to meet Oliver Torres' corner and sent a header into the bottom corner in the 25th minute, handing the Mexican side a surprise lead.

Inter responded in the 42nd minute when Martinez finished easily from close range after Carlos Augusto squared the ball across the box, following a pinpoint overhead pass from Kristjan Asllani on a set piece.

Both teams pushed for a winner after the break. Monterrey nearly regained the lead in the 64th minute, but Sergio Canales' long-range strike hit the post. Martinez fired wide from distance in the 77th minute, and Nelson Deossa had one last chance in stoppage time, but his effort in the 93rd minute drifted just off target. ■