Dortmund Holds Off Monterrey’s Fightback in 2-1 Club World Cup Thriller
In a pulsating Round of 16 clash at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Borussia Dortmund secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over C.F. Monterrey at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, advancing to the quarter-finals to face Real Madrid. The match, played before 31,442 fans, showcased Dortmund’s clinical edge and defensive grit, as they weathered a spirited second-half comeback from the Mexican side. Serhou Guirassy’s first-half brace, both assisted by Karim Adeyemi, proved decisive, but Monterrey’s relentless pressure kept the Germans on edge until the final whistle.
A Blistering Start for Dortmund
The match kicked off with frenetic energy, both teams trading full-blooded challenges in a high-tempo opening. Dortmund, unbeaten in their last 10 matches across all competitions, asserted early dominance through their dynamic attacking duo. In the 14th minute, Adeyemi’s incisive run down the right flank carved open Monterrey’s defense, delivering a pinpoint cross for Guirassy to slot home with precision. The Bundesliga side doubled their lead just 10 minutes later, as Adeyemi again turned provider, threading a through-ball for Guirassy to fire past goalkeeper Esteban Andrada. The Guirassy-Adeyemi partnership was electric, with the former taking six shots in the match, the only Dortmund outfield player to attempt a shot.
Monterrey, despite their strong group stage performance—including a draw against Inter Milan and a 4-0 rout of Urawa Reds—struggled to contain Dortmund’s early onslaught. Nelson Deossa’s long-range efforts hinted at their attacking intent, but goalkeeper Gregor Kobel stood firm, making six saves to anchor Dortmund’s defense.
A Costly Booking for Bellingham
The first half wasn’t without its setbacks for Dortmund. In the 28th minute, Jobe Bellingham, the 19-year-old midfielder who joined from Sunderland, received a yellow card for a robust challenge on Deossa. The booking, his second of the tournament, means he will miss the quarter-final against Real Madrid, dashing hopes of a sibling showdown with his brother, Jude Bellingham. “He was disappointed, a bit surprised,” Dortmund manager Niko Kovac said post-match. “He’s young, and they’ll face each other in the future, maybe in the Champions League.”
Monterrey’s Second-Half Surge
Trailing 2-0 at halftime, Monterrey emerged with renewed vigor. Just three minutes into the second half, a defensive lapse from Daniel Svensson allowed Jesús Corona to whip in a cross. Erick Aguirre headed it back across goal, and Germán Berterame nodded past Kobel to halve the deficit. The goal ignited Monterrey’s attack, with Corona proving a constant menace, forcing Kobel into two crucial saves and firing another shot over the bar. Berterame thought he had equalized later, but the goal was disallowed for offside, much to the frustration of coach Domenec Torrent, who later criticized the referee and VAR decisions.
Monterrey’s fans, vocal throughout, were warned late in the game for discriminatory chanting, a sour note in an otherwise passionate atmosphere. Sergio Ramos, the former Real Madrid legend now leading Monterrey’s backline, nearly scripted a fairytale equalizer in the dying moments, grazing the post with a header. “Our supporters saw we gave everything,” Ramos told DAZN. “We defended the shirt with pride.”
Dortmund’s Tactical Adjustments
As Monterrey pressed, Kovac’s substitutions restored Dortmund’s composure. Marcel Sabitzer replaced Jobe Bellingham in the 55th minute to shore up the midfield, while Julian Brandt and Yan Couto came on in the 71st minute to add fresh legs. Guirassy, who received a late yellow card in stoppage time, had two half-chances to complete a hat-trick but was thwarted by Andrada’s alertness. Dortmund’s defense, led by Niklas Süle and Waldemar Anton, held firm despite Monterrey’s 58.4% possession and 14 shot attempts, seven of which were on target.
Looking Ahead: A Real Madrid Showdown
The victory sets up a blockbuster quarter-final against Real Madrid in New Jersey on Saturday, a rematch of their 2024 Champions League final, where Madrid triumphed 2-0. Dortmund’s defensive vulnerabilities, exposed by Monterrey’s second-half pressure, will be a concern against a Madrid side led by Vinícius Júnior, who scored a hat-trick against Dortmund earlier this season. Without Jobe Bellingham, Kovac will rely on veterans like Pascal Groß and Felix Nmecha to fill the void.
For Monterrey, the defeat ends their Club World Cup journey, but their performance showcased their resilience and ability to compete with Europe’s elite. “This team can play anyone to a low score if we’re on our game,” said Jon Eimer of SportsLine, reflecting on Monterrey’s defensive solidity in the group stage.
Match Stats
- Possession: Dortmund 41.6%, Monterrey 58.4%
- Shots on Goal: Dortmund 3, Monterrey 7
- Shot Attempts: Dortmund 6, Monterrey 14
- Saves: Dortmund 6, Monterrey 1
- Yellow Cards: Dortmund 2 (J. Bellingham 28’, Guirassy 90+3’), Monterrey 0
- Corner Kicks: Dortmund 3, Monterrey 5
Source: ESPN
A Step Closer to Glory
Dortmund’s 2-1 win, though not their most polished performance, underscores their knack for getting results under pressure. As they prepare to face Real Madrid, Kovac’s side will need to tighten their defense and capitalize on their attacking flair to keep their Club World Cup dreams alive. For Monterrey, the loss stings, but their spirited display in Atlanta will leave fans optimistic about their future on the global stage.
Last Updated on: Wednesday, July 2, 2025 3:41 pm by Sai Karthik Munnuru | Published by: Sai Karthik Munnuru on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 3:41 pm | News Categories: Trending
About The Author
