Borussia Dortmund have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Mexican outfit Monterrey at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The win marks another milestone in what has been a remarkable season for the Bundesliga club.
The German side’s hero on the night was striker Serhou Guirassy, who delivered an inspired performance, netting both goals in the first half to power his side past a determined Monterrey. The Guinean forward opened the scoring in the 14th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse before doubling Dortmund’s lead in the 24th with a sharp finish that left the goalkeeper rooted.
Despite conceding a goal early in the second half, Dortmund held their composure to see out the match under mounting pressure. Monterrey, refusing to back down, pushed for an equalizer, but Dortmund’s defensive resilience and midfield discipline ensured their lead remained intact.
Guirassy’s performance was a standout, and his contributions earned him the Player of the Match honour with a stellar rating. He now has three goals in the tournament, adding to his impressive tally from the recently concluded UEFA Champions League campaign, where he emerged as the top scorer.
Dortmund’s midfield and attacking depth were also on display, with Karim Adeyemi showing flashes of brilliance and Pascal Groß controlling tempo from the center of the park. Their cohesion and relentless pressing caused problems for Monterrey, who struggled to create clear chances throughout the match.
However, the win came with a downside. Rising star Jobe Bellingham will miss the next match after picking up a yellow card, a suspension that leaves a gap in Dortmund’s midfield heading into the next crucial fixture.
The victory extends Dortmund’s unbeaten run in all competitions since April 2025, highlighting their consistent form under manager Niko Kovac. This strong momentum sets the stage for an epic quarter-final clash with European heavyweights Real Madrid, a match that promises to test Dortmund’s title credentials.
Facing Real Madrid represents the toughest challenge yet for Dortmund in this tournament. Madrid, with their storied history and attacking depth, will offer a significantly sterner test than Monterrey. Yet, with Guirassy in top form and the squad playing with confidence and balance, Dortmund will approach the tie with belief and ambition.
As the Club World Cup progresses, all eyes will be on this blockbuster encounter, which could potentially pave the way for Dortmund to reach their first-ever semi-final in the tournament’s modern format.