In a thrilling Round of 16 match at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Borussia Dortmund secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Monterrey on Tuesday night at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This win propels the Bundesliga side into the quarter-finals, where they will face the formidable Real Madrid, setting the stage for a high-stakes European showdown.
The match kicked off with Monterrey showing early aggression, testing Dortmund’s defense in the opening minutes. At the 10th minute, Monterrey’s Nelson Deossa unleashed a long-range shot that forced a sharp save from Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, signaling the Mexicans’ intent to challenge the German side. However, Borussia Dortmund quickly asserted their attacking prowess.
Serhou Guirassy, Dortmund’s leading striker, opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a clinical finish that came after a slick one-two exchange with Karim Adeyemi. Adeyemi’s quick interplay set Guirassy up to slot the ball past Monterrey’s goalkeeper Esteban Andrada, giving Dortmund an early lead. Guirassy was at it again just ten minutes later, capitalizing on Adeyemi’s run into the box to double Dortmund’s advantage with a deft flick past Andrada.
Guirassy’s brace not only put Dortmund in control but also highlighted why the club invested €18 million ($21 million) to sign him from Stuttgart last summer. With these two goals, Guirassy extended his tournament tally to five goals in five games, making him the top scorer of the competition so far. His performance underlines his rising stature and the impact he has had since joining the Black and Yellows.
Despite Dortmund’s strong first half, Monterrey came out with renewed vigor after the break. Just three minutes into the second half, German Berterame headed home a powerful goal following a cross from the left, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and injecting hope into the Mexican side. Monterrey’s increased possession, which reached 58% in the second half, translated into several chances, including a disallowed goal for offside and a one-on-one opportunity for Jesus Corona that was expertly saved by Kobel.
The pressure mounted late in the game, with Monterrey pushing hard for an equalizer. Former Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos nearly forced extra time with a towering header in stoppage time, but his effort sailed just wide of the top corner. Dortmund’s defense, though tested, held firm to preserve the narrow lead.
The match also featured a significant storyline off the pitch. Dortmund’s young midfielder Jobe Bellingham was shown his second yellow card of the tournament in the 28th minute, resulting in a suspension for the upcoming quarter-final clash against Real Madrid. Manager Niko Kovac revealed that Bellingham was surprised by the suspension, stating, “I think we all saw that he was very disappointed. I don't think he exactly knew the second yellow card was a suspension. At half-time he was a bit surprised.” Kovac substituted Jobe in the 55th minute to avoid the risk of a red card, emphasizing the player’s youth and potential for future encounters with his brother Jude Bellingham, who plays for Real Madrid.
Jude Bellingham, who left Dortmund in 2023 after three seasons and a DFB-Pokal title, has faced his former club twice this season with Real Madrid, including the 2024 Champions League final where Madrid triumphed 2-0. Although the anticipated sibling showdown in the Club World Cup quarter-finals won’t happen this time, the prospect of future clashes remains a compelling subplot in European football.
Financially, Dortmund’s progression in the tournament has been lucrative. The club has earned $52.325 million so far from prize money, including $26.6 million for entering, $12.6 million from the group stage and round of 16, and $13.125 million for reaching the quarter-finals. This windfall comes at a crucial time as sporting director Sebastian Kehl looks to strengthen the squad following the €64 million ($75 million) sale of Jamie Gittens to Chelsea. The Club World Cup earnings are expected to help fund reinforcements, particularly in midfield and attack.
The match drew a crowd of 31,442 fans, with the Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s roof closed to combat the sweltering Atlanta heat. Despite the challenging conditions, the game delivered high drama and showcased contrasting styles: Dortmund’s youthful dynamism and direct play versus Monterrey’s tactical discipline and resilience.
Looking ahead, Dortmund face a daunting task against Real Madrid on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in East Rutherford. Real Madrid, who defeated Dortmund in the 2024 Champions League final and again in the current season’s league stage, will be a stern test. Guirassy acknowledged the challenge, saying, “I expect a very tough game. Real Madrid wants to go through. It is going to be tough, but we will prepare and do our best.”
While Dortmund showed moments of brilliance, particularly through the Guirassy-Adeyemi partnership, defensive vulnerabilities were evident, something Real Madrid will undoubtedly look to exploit. The quarter-final promises to be a tactical battle with high stakes, as Dortmund aim to avenge recent defeats and advance deeper into the tournament.
Ultimately, Borussia Dortmund’s victory over Monterrey was a testament to their clinical finishing and mental resilience. Despite Monterrey’s spirited comeback and dominance in possession, it was Dortmund’s ability to capitalize on key moments that made the difference. As the Club World Cup quarter-finals approach, all eyes will be on the Black and Yellows to see if they can continue their journey against one of Europe’s giants.
