Borussia Dortmund found their attacking rhythm just in time to claim a hard-fought 4-3 victory over a resilient Mamelodi Sundowns in their Group F encounter at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, held at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati.
The win marks Dortmund’s first success in the tournament and keeps their hopes alive of progressing to the next stage.
The match began with a shock for the German side, as Sundowns took a surprising lead early on. Lucas Ribeiro stunned Dortmund with a brilliant solo effort, dancing past defenders and calmly finishing past goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. The early setback shook Dortmund, but their response was swift and clinical.
A misjudged clearance by Sundowns keeper Ronwen Williams handed Felix Nmecha a golden opportunity, which he converted with poise to bring Dortmund level. The equaliser served as a turning point, helping Dortmund settle into the match and assert control.
Serhou Guirassy soon put Dortmund ahead, finishing a fluid one-two with Julian Brandt with a powerful header. The Bundesliga side continued to press and added a third after the interval, when Daniel Svensson’s whipped cross was inadvertently deflected into the net by Khuliso Mudau.
However, Sundowns refused to go quietly. Iqraam Rayners scored from close range after his initial header struck the post, reducing the deficit to two. Their momentum continued as Lebo Mothiba expertly slotted home a third for Sundowns, making it a tense one-goal game in the final minutes.
Despite the late pressure, Dortmund managed to hold on, showcasing resilience in defense to secure all three points. It wasn’t a flawless performance, but the victory demonstrated Dortmund’s offensive quality and determination under pressure.
With one group-stage match remaining, Dortmund will now look to build on this performance and continue their push for a semi-final spot. For Sundowns, the spirited display will give them confidence heading into their final game, knowing they can compete toe-to-toe with some of the best clubs in the world.