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Borussia Dortmund advanced to the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals after edging out Monterrey 2-1 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, thanks to a first-half brace from Serhou Guirassy.
Dortmund came into the game riding high on a 10-match unbeaten run across all competitions, and their momentum showed from the opening whistle. Making their debut at the Club World Cup, the German giants made their intentions clear early on and dominated the opening exchanges against Liga MX side Monterrey.
It didn’t take long for Dortmund’s quality to shine through. In the 14th minute, Karim Adeyemi’s brilliant back-heel pass released Guirassy in behind the Mexican defence, and the Guinean striker made no mistake as he slotted past Esteban Andrada to open the scoring.
Monterrey almost issued an instant response. Jesús Corona saw his cross-shot graze the outside of the post, and shortly after, Nelson Deossa tested Gregor Kobel with a powerful drive, but the Dortmund keeper stood firm.
Guirassy was at it again in the 24th minute. Once more it was Adeyemi who supplied the killer ball, and the in-form forward buried his second goal with a low finish into the corner to put BVB 2-0 ahead.
Borussia Dortmund Monterrey#FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/zAOANDb6CN
— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) July 2, 2025
The brace nearly became a hat-trick before the half-hour mark, when Jobe Bellingham whipped in a dangerous ball across the box. Guirassy lunged in but couldn’t quite make contact as the chance went begging.
Despite their dominant first-half display, Dortmund saw the game take a dramatic turn after the break.
Whatever was said in Monterrey’s dressing room at halftime clearly worked, as the Mexican side came out firing. Just three minutes into the second half, Germán Berterame pulled one back with a close-range header, his third goal of the tournament.
Dortmund appeared rattled, and Monterrey gained belief. Corona, ever the threat, nearly drew his side level with a sharp run and shot, but Kobel once again came to Dortmund’s rescue with a crucial save.
The Mexican side thought they had equalized just past the hour mark, only for Berterame’s second effort to be chalked off due to a tight offside call.
Dortmund manager Niko Kovač turned to his bench, bringing on the experienced Marcel Sabitzer in an attempt to regain midfield control. Monterrey, meanwhile, continued to push for the leveller with Lucas Ocampos and Roberto de la Rosa thrown into the mix for an attacking finale.
But despite their late charge, Monterrey couldn’t find the breakthrough. Dortmund, though far from their best in the second half, managed to hold on and seal their progression to the next round.
The result sets up a thrilling Club World Cup quarter-final showdown between Dortmund and Real Madrid — a rematch of the 2024 UEFA Champions League final. All eyes now shift to New York where the two European heavyweights will renew their rivalry in a match that promises fireworks.
For Monterrey, their Club World Cup journey comes to an end, but not without credit. Unbeaten in the group stage with one win and two draws, the Mexican side showed resilience and quality throughout the tournament, pushing one of Europe’s elite clubs to the limit.
As for Dortmund, the road to glory remains open — but they’ll need to rediscover their composure ahead of their date with Madrid.
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