Borussia Dortmund will face off against CF Monterrey in a highly anticipated Round of 16 clash at the FIFA Club World Cup on July 2, 2025, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This matchup marks the first competitive meeting between the German giants and the Mexican side, promising an intriguing battle. Dortmund, the 1997 Intercontinental Cup champions, come into the game with strong momentum, having secured back-to-back victories in the group stage.
Monterrey, meanwhile, showcased their attacking prowess with a 4-0 thrashing of Urawa Red Diamonds, underpinned by a robust defensive record. With both teams in fine form, this knockout stage encounter is set to be a thrilling contest as they vie for a spot in the quarter-finals.
Prediction
Borussia Dortmund are favored to win this encounter, leveraging their clinical attacking play and possession-based style under head coach Niko KovaÄ. The Bundesliga side has been in excellent form, remaining unbeaten in their last ten matches, including a 1-0 victory over Ulsan HD and a 4-3 thriller against Mamelodi Sundowns. Their midfield and forward line, featuring players like Jobe Bellingham and Serhou Guirassy, are expected to dominate against a Monterrey side that, while creative, may struggle to match Dortmundâs decisiveness in the final third.
Monterreyâs defensive solidity, having conceded just one goal in the group stage, will make this a competitive affair, but their relative inexperience against European heavyweights could be a factor. Analysts predict a closely fought match, with Dortmund likely to edge out a 2-1 victory, potentially requiring extra time if Monterreyâs defense holds firm. The game is expected to see goals from both sides, given their attacking capabilities, but Dortmundâs superior quality should prevail.
Possible lineups
Borussia Dortmundâs predicted lineup in a 3-4-3 formation includes Gregor Kobel in goal, with a back three of Niklas SĂźle, Waldemar Anton, and Ramy Bensebaini. The midfield is likely to feature Julian Ryerson, Felix Nmecha, Pascal GroĂ, and Daniel Svensson, providing a balance of creativity and defensive stability. Up front, Jobe Bellingham, Julian Brandt, and Serhou Guirassy are expected to lead the attack, with Karim Adeyemi potentially coming off the bench to add pace.
Dortmund will be without Emre Can, Nico Schlotterbeck, and Salih Ăzcan due to injuries, which may limit their defensive depth. For CF Monterrey, a 4-1-2-1-2 formation is anticipated, with Esteban Andrada in goal, protected by a backline of Ricardo Chavez, Stefan Medina, Sergio Ramos, and Luis Reyes. Fidel Ambriz is expected to anchor the midfield, with Nelson Deossa and Ăliver Torres providing creativity. Jesus Corona, German Berterame, and Alfonso Alvarado are likely to form the attacking trio. Monterreyâs only notable absence is Carlos Salcedo, sidelined with a knee injury until August.
Betting tips
Betting odds reflect Dortmundâs favoritism, with a win priced at 1.84, while a draw stands at 3.9, and a Monterrey victory is at 4.8. Given both teamsâ attacking outputâDortmund with five goals and Monterrey with five in the group stageâa bet on both teams to score (BTTS) at around 1.75 is a strong option, as their defenses have shown vulnerabilities, conceding in 33% of matches.
Another promising bet is over 2.5 goals, with odds around 2.05, considering Dortmundâs high-scoring tendencies (12 goals in their last five games) and Monterreyâs ability to capitalize on counter-attacks. For a more specific prediction, the first goal to be scored from open play by kicking is recommended, with odds reflecting Dortmundâs likelihood to strike early through their attacking trio. Bettors should also consider a Dortmund win with a -1.5 Asian Handicap at odds of approximately 2.50 for those expecting a more decisive victory.