Borussia Dortmund narrowly escaped a late scare to edge Mamelodi Sundowns 4-3 in a dramatic FIFA Club World Cup Group F encounter on Saturday at TQL Stadium.
The German giants were pushed to their limits by a spirited Sundowns side, who came agonizingly close to securing a point after trailing by three goals.
The South African champions entered the match riding high after a 1-0 win over Ulsan HD and started with confidence.
Former Dortmund youth product Tashreeq Matthews was electric in the opening stages, and his incisive play in the 11th minute set up Lucas Ribeiro for the opener. Ribeiro calmly slotted the ball past Gregor Kobel to give Sundowns an early lead.
Dortmund, however, wasted little time responding. In the 16th minute, Felix Nmecha capitalized on a loose pass from Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to equalize.
The equalizer shifted momentum toward the Bundesliga side. Julian Brandt delivered a pinpoint cross in the 34th minute, allowing Serhou Guirassy to head home and put Dortmund in front.
Just before halftime, Dortmund extended their lead. Jobe Bellingham, in only his second appearance, scored his debut goal with a composed chest and volley after Williams spilled a shot. The first half ended 3-1 in Dortmund’s favor.
Early in the second half, a miscommunication at the back led to a Khuliso Mudau own goal, handing Dortmund a 4-1 cushion.
But Mamelodi Sundowns, unwilling to fold, launched a furious comeback. Iqraam Rayners scored in the 63rd minute, and substitute Lebo Mothiba added another in the 74th to bring the score to 4-3.
The final 15 minutes saw relentless Sundowns pressure, but Dortmund’s defense managed to hold out, securing a vital win that keeps them in contention for the semifinals.
Elsewhere, Brazilian side Fluminense produced a comeback of their own, defeating Ulsan HD 4-2 in New York. With four points, Fluminense now top Group F, edging Dortmund on goal difference. Sundowns remain third with three points, while Ulsan are eliminated.
The final group games on Wednesday will be decisive: Dortmund face Ulsan HD, while Sundowns clash with Fluminense in a high-stakes showdown.