Borussia Dortmund advanced to the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Mexican side Monterrey.
The Bundesliga giants were powered by a brilliant first-half brace from star forward Serhou Guirassy, whose clinical finishing made the difference. This victory now sets up a high-stakes quarterfinal clash against Real Madrid in New Jersey on Saturday.
First-Half Dominance: Guirassy, Adeyemi Shine Bright
Right from kickoff, Dortmund imposed themselves on the match with fast, fluid attacking football. Their well-coordinated forward play consistently stretched Monterrey’s backline.
While Monterrey’s Nelson Deossa attempted to threaten early with a long-range strike, Dortmund controlled possession and looked more dangerous in the final third.
The breakthrough came in the 14th minute. Guirassy linked up smartly with Karim Adeyemi and calmly slotted the ball past Monterrey goalkeeper Esteban Andrada.
That goal sparked a more aggressive approach from Monterrey, with Jesus Corona nearly leveling the score when his misdirected cross struck the post.
Just ten minutes later, the Adeyemi-Guirassy duo combined once more. Adeyemi provided an accurate layoff, and Guirassy guided a first-time finish beyond Andrada to double the lead.
The striker was inches away from a first-half hat-trick, narrowly missing a cross from Jobe Bellingham and being denied by Andrada once again before the break.
Monterrey’s Second-Half Response Falls Short
Monterrey returned from halftime with greater urgency, and they were rewarded quickly. In the 48th minute, German Berterame scored from close range after a deflected shot fell into his path. The goal lifted Monterrey’s spirits and initiated a sustained period of pressure.
Jesus Corona tested Gregor Kobel with a powerful effort, while Oliver Torres tried his luck with a clever volley. In added time, Sergio Ramos had the best chance to level, rising high to meet an Erick Aguirre cross, but his header sailed just wide.
Clash of Titans Awaits
Dortmund withstood the late pressure and secured their place in the next round. Now, the focus shifts to their quarterfinal showdown against Real Madrid.
With a semifinal berth at stake, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter between two of Europe’s biggest clubs. Fans can expect a pulsating battle as Borussia Dortmund looks to continue their Club World Cup journey.