Cincinnati, June 21, 2025 – Borussia Dortmund edged Mamelodi Sundowns 4-3 in a thrilling FIFA Club World Cup Group F encounter at TQL Stadium, overcoming brutal heat and a late South African comeback to go top of the group.

The match exploded into life early, with Sundowns striking first through Lucas Ribeiro Costa in the 11th minute. Dortmund replied quickly via Felix Nmecha before adding two more goals through Serhou Guirassy and debutant Jobe Bellingham to go 3-1 up by halftime.

An own goal from Khuliso Mudau in the 59th minute looked to seal the win for the Germans, but Sundowns refused to fold. Iqraam Rayners and substitute Lebo Mothiba found the net in the second half, narrowing the gap to just one goal and setting up a nervy finale.

Despite the Sundowns resurgence, Dortmund held firm, albeit with worrying signs in defence. On a scorching day with temperatures above 30°C (86°F), BVB resorted to cooling strategies including umbrellas and ice tubs to combat the conditions.

Key Performers:

• Jobe Bellingham: Scored on his full debut and earned Man of the Match.
• Felix Nmecha: Controlled midfield and netted Dortmund’s first.
• Sundowns’ attack: Showed quality and resilience with goals from Ribeiro, Rayners, and Mothiba.

Group F Outlook:

Dortmund now lead the group with four points, while Sundowns, on three, still have a chance to qualify when they face Fluminense in their final group game.

Seattle, June 21, 2025 – Inter Milan needed every bit of grit, class, and patience to grind out a 2-1 comeback victory over Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds in a dramatic FIFA Club World Cup encounter at Lumen Field.

The Serie A giants were stunned early by Urawa’s disciplined defensive setup and quick transitions, with Ryoma Watanabe giving the Japanese side a shock lead in the 11th minute. His close-range finish—Urawa’s first-ever goal against European opposition in the tournament—sent waves through the crowd and forced Inter to chase the game.

Despite dominating possession (peaking at over 85% in the first half), Inter struggled to crack Urawa’s compact low block. Lautaro Martínez hit the crossbar in the 22nd minute and had a goal ruled out for offside just after halftime.

But the pressure finally paid off in the 78th minute when Martínez made amends with a stunning overhead volley from a Nicolò Barella corner. That equaliser opened the floodgates, and Inter pushed forward with even greater urgency.

In stoppage time, 19-year-old Valentin Carboni delivered the winning blow, reacting quickly to a rebounded shot and slotting home from inside the box. The goal capped off Inter’s determined comeback and secured their first win of the tournament.

Tactical Analysis

Inter bossed the midfield through Barella and Calhanoglu but were often too static in the final third until Martínez and Carboni added a more direct threat. Barella, who assisted the equaliser and completed over 90% of his passes, was named Man of the Match for his playmaking and relentless energy.

Urawa, for their part, executed their game plan nearly to perfection—defending deep, countering quickly, and remaining compact. However, fatigue and Inter’s quality proved too much in the final minutes.

Group Implications

The result puts Inter on four points in Group E, setting up a pivotal clash with River Plate in their final group-stage game. Urawa Red Diamonds, now eliminated after back-to-back losses, will exit the tournament with pride, having made history with their first-ever goal against a European side at the Club World Cup.

Final Thoughts

It wasn’t pretty, but Inter Milan showed resilience and depth. With their sights now set on a top-of-the-table decider, Simone Inzaghi’s men will know that such late escapes might not come easy against stronger foes.

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Flamengo produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat Chelsea 3–1 in their Group D clash at the FIFA Club World Cup on Friday, June 20, 2025, in Philadelphia.

The Brazilian giants went behind early but roared back after the break, exposing Chelsea’s defensive weaknesses and capitalizing on a costly red card to secure a statement victory.

First Half: Bright Start for Chelsea

Chelsea began on the front foot and took the lead in the 13th minute when Pedro Neto coolly slotted home after a swift attacking move. Enzo Maresca’s side dominated possession for much of the half, but Flamengo remained organized and dangerous on the break.

Second-Half Turnaround

Flamengo manager Filipe Luís introduced Bruno Henrique early in the second half, and the move paid off. In the 62nd minute, Henrique pounced on a knockdown from Gonzalo Plata to level the score.

Just three minutes later, Flamengo went ahead through Danilo, who rose highest to nod in a corner, catching Chelsea’s defense flat-footed.

Things went from bad to worse for the Premier League side in the 68th minute when striker Nicolas Jackson was shown a straight red card for a reckless, studs-up challenge. It was his second red card in just four games.

With Chelsea down to ten men, Flamengo controlled the remainder of the match. Wallace Yan sealed the result in the 83rd minute, finishing off a quick counterattack to make it 3–1.

Group Implications

The win takes Flamengo to the top of Group D with six points from two games, all but securing their place in the knockout stage. Chelsea remain on three points and face a must-win scenario in their final group fixture.

Final Thoughts

Chelsea’s early promise quickly faded as Flamengo’s energy, tactical discipline, and clinical finishing turned the match on its head. The result raises questions about Maresca’s in-game management and Chelsea’s composure in high-stakes fixtures.

For Flamengo, it was a night to remember—a bold statement that they are serious contenders for the Club World Cup title.

Stay tuned to AladdynKing Media for more updates from the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.