Borussia Dortmund secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over CF Monterrey in the FIFA Club World Cup round of 16 on July 1, 2025, advancing to the quarterfinals where they will face Real Madrid. The match, a clash of contrasting styles, showcased Dortmund’s clinical finishing and defensive resilience against a spirited Monterrey side that pushed them to the limit.
Dortmund, led by manager Niko Kovač, came into the game as favorites after topping Group F with an unbeaten record, including a thrilling 4-3 win over Mamelodi Sundowns and a 1-0 victory against Ulsan HD. Monterrey, the last CONCACAF representative, had shown their mettle in Group E, holding Inter Milan to a 1-1 draw and securing a 4-0 rout of Urawa Reds. The stage was set for an intriguing battle, with Dortmund’s attacking firepower pitted against Monterrey’s disciplined defense, which had conceded just one goal in the group stage.
The German side wasted no time asserting dominance. In the 14th minute, Serhou Guirassy opened the scoring with a clinical finish, latching onto a precise through ball from Karim Adeyemi. The French-born Guinean striker struck again in the 24th minute, capitalizing on a well-executed move initiated by Julian Ryerson’s robust challenge and Adeyemi’s perfectly timed pass. Guirassy’s composure in front of goal put Dortmund 2-0 up, and they looked poised to cruise into the quarterfinals. Despite further chances, including a missed opportunity for Guirassy’s hat-trick set up by Jobe Bellingham, Dortmund went into halftime with a commanding lead.
Monterrey, under the guidance of Domènec Torrent, emerged from the break with renewed vigor. Just three minutes into the second half, German Berterame pulled one back with a towering header, assisted by the lively Jesús Corona and Érick Aguirre. The goal ignited the Mexican side, who dominated possession with 59% and mounted relentless pressure on Dortmund’s backline. Corona was a constant menace, forcing a string of saves from goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, while Berterame saw a second goal disallowed for offside. Sergio Ramos, the veteran defender, nearly equalized in the dying moments, grazing the post with a header, but Dortmund’s defense, bolstered by timely substitutions, held firm.
The match was not without its drama. Jobe Bellingham, a standout for Dortmund, received a yellow card in the 28th minute, ruling him out of the quarterfinal clash against Real Madrid due to suspension. This setback dashed hopes of a family duel with his brother Jude, who plays for the Spanish giants. Substitutions played a key role, with Marcel Sabitzer replacing Bellingham in the 55th minute to restore midfield control, and later changes, including Yan Couto and Julian Brandt, helping Dortmund regain composure amidst Monterrey’s late onslaught.
Monterrey’s tactical shift to a 4-1-2-3 formation allowed them to exploit the flanks, with Corona and Nelson Deossa testing Dortmund’s resolve. Despite their efforts, the Mexican side couldn’t find the equalizer, as Kobel’s heroics and Dortmund’s defensive organization prevailed. The final whistle sparked celebrations among the Dortmund faithful, who now look ahead to a blockbuster quarterfinal against Real Madrid on July 5 at MetLife Stadium.
Guirassy was the undeniable star, his brace securing Dortmund’s tenth consecutive unbeaten match across all competitions. However, Monterrey’s resilience and attacking intent earned them plaudits, proving they could compete with Europe’s elite. For Dortmund, the victory keeps their Club World Cup dreams alive, but the absence of Jobe Bellingham will test their depth against a formidable Real Madrid side.