On a thrilling summer night at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Borussia Dortmund edged out CF Monterrey 2-1 in the round of sixteen of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, securing their place in the quarterfinals. The match, held on July 1, 2025, was a display of early dominance by Dortmund, resilience from Monterrey, and individual brilliance from Serhou Guirassy, who scored both goals for the German side.
Dortmund entered the knockout stage undefeated, having topped Group F with a solid record including a goalless draw against Fluminense and wins over Mamelodi Sundowns and Ulsan Hyundai FC. Coach Niko Kovač tweaked his formation from a 3-4-1-2 to a more attacking 3-4-3 setup for this crucial encounter, signaling his intent to press forward against Monterrey.
The German side fielded Gregor Köbel in goal for the fourth consecutive match, alongside defenders Ramy Bensebaini, Waldemar Anton, and Niklas Süle, who replaced Julian Ryerson at right-back. Ryerson shifted up to right midfield, joining Daniel Svensson, Felix Nmecha, and Pascal Groß in the middle. Up front, Jobe Bellingham moved to the right wing, flanked by Karim Adeyemi on the left and Serhou Guirassy as the central striker.
Monterrey, the last remaining CONCACAF team in the tournament, came into the match undefeated in Group E, with two draws against Inter Milan and River Plate, and a commanding 4-0 victory over Urawa Reds. Coach Domènec Torrent switched from a 4-3-1-2 to a more aggressive 4-1-2-3 formation, aiming to challenge Dortmund's defense. Esteban Andrada, who had conceded just one goal in the tournament, guarded the net, with Gerardo Arteaga and Érick Aguirre replacing Luis Reyes and Ricardo Chávez at full-back. The midfield saw Jorge Rodríguez at defensive midfield, Sergio Canales at left midfield, and Nelson Deossa on the right, while Óliver Torres took the left wing spot. Germán Berterame and Jesús Corona led the attack.
The match kicked off with high intensity. Dortmund’s first goal came in the 14th minute through a slick combination between Guirassy and Adeyemi. Receiving a pass from Ramy Bensebaini at the edge of the box, Guirassy quickly laid the ball off to Adeyemi, who returned it instantly, setting Guirassy up for a precise low finish inside the left post beyond Andrada’s reach.
Just ten minutes later, Dortmund doubled their lead. Julian Ryerson’s aggressive challenge won possession, and his long ball found Adeyemi sprinting forward. Adeyemi controlled the ball expertly before delivering a square pass to Guirassy, who fired a powerful 17-yard shot that left the Monterrey goalkeeper with no chance. The Guinean striker was in top form, threatening a hat-trick with chances in the 31st and 34th minutes, but was denied by a narrow miss and an outstanding save from Andrada.
Monterrey responded strongly after halftime. Early in the second half, Germán Berterame reduced the deficit in the 48th minute. Jesús Corona’s curling cross found Erick Aguirre, whose header back across goal was met by Berterame’s downward nod that beat Köbel, reigniting Monterrey’s hopes. The Mexican side pressed hard for an equalizer, with Corona narrowly missing a chance and Sergio Ramos heading just wide in stoppage time, but Dortmund’s defense held firm.
The match remained tense until the final whistle, with Dortmund managing to maintain their composure and secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory. The win ensured Dortmund’s progression to the quarterfinals, where they are set to face the European giants Real Madrid on July 5, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Serhou Guirassy’s performance earned him the Player of the Match accolade, with an impressive 8.5 rating. The striker now has three goals in the tournament, underscoring his breakout season following his status as the top scorer in the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 campaign. Guirassy reflected on the match, saying, "It was difficult. They're a good team with experienced players. I think we had a very good first half. Second half was a bit harder, but the mindset was tough and we won so we're all happy tonight." He added, "I think I could have scored maybe three goals at least," highlighting his hunger for even greater impact.
Despite the victory, Borussia Dortmund faces a setback as Jobe Bellingham received a yellow card in the 28th minute, which, due to accumulation, rules him out of the upcoming quarterfinal clash against Real Madrid. This absence adds an intriguing subplot to the next round, especially since Bellingham’s brother, Jude, plays for Real Madrid, setting up a unique family rivalry on the big stage.
Other notable performances included Karim Adeyemi, who assisted both of Guirassy’s goals, and Pascal Groß, who contributed to Dortmund’s midfield stability. Monterrey’s Nelson Deossa and Jesús Corona were persistent threats, with Deossa testing goalkeeper Köbel early on with long-range shots and Corona nearly leveling the match on several occasions.
The match drew a crowd of 31,442 passionate fans, with referee Facundo Tello overseeing the proceedings. The atmosphere at Mercedes-Benz Stadium was electric, reflecting growing enthusiasm for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, a sentiment echoed by soccer greats involved in the tournament’s technical study group. Former U.S. national team star Tobin Heath praised the passion and energy surrounding the event, emphasizing its potential to transform soccer’s landscape in the country.
As Borussia Dortmund prepares to face Real Madrid, the stakes are higher than ever. Dortmund remains undefeated in the Club World Cup 2025 and has not lost since April 2025, building momentum and confidence. The quarterfinal at MetLife Stadium will be a stern test against a club boasting 15 European titles, but Dortmund’s recent form and Guirassy’s scoring prowess offer hope for a historic run.
With the tournament progressing, the global spotlight is firmly on these elite clubs, showcasing top-tier football talent and thrilling fans worldwide. Borussia Dortmund’s hard-fought victory over Monterrey is a testament to their resilience and skill, setting the stage for an electrifying clash with Real Madrid and further drama in this prestigious international competition.
