Borussia Dortmund began their FIFA Club World Cup journey with a 2–1 triumph over Mexican side CF Monterrey on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. A first-half double from Serhou Guirassy was enough to push the Bundesliga side into the quarter-finals, setting up a blockbuster clash with Real Madrid.

Guirassy Shines Early

The match started brightly for Dortmund, with Guirassy breaking the deadlock in the 14th minute. The striker latched onto a slick pass from Karim Adeyemi and tucked the ball past the Monterrey goalkeeper. Just ten minutes later, he was on the scoresheet again, this time finishing off another well-placed delivery from Adeyemi to make it 2–0.

Guirassy had chances to seal a hat-trick before halftime but was denied by some sharp goalkeeping and an off-target strike.

Monterrey Respond With Fight

The Liga MX side came out stronger in the second half, pulling one back in the 48th minute through Germán Berterame, who headed home after some intricate buildup play involving Jesús Corona and Érick Aguirre.

Monterrey maintained pressure throughout the half, with Sergio Ramos nearly leveling the score when his chipped effort shaved the post. Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel was called into action multiple times, making crucial saves to keep his side ahead.

Defensive Resolve and a Quarter-Final Date

Despite the relentless attacks, Dortmund’s defense held steady, backed by Kobel’s safe hands. The win didn’t come without cost, however—Jobe Bellingham picked up a yellow card, ruling him out of the quarter-final against Real Madrid due to suspension.

Dortmund will now turn their attention to the highly anticipated showdown with the Spanish champions in New Jersey. While the absence of Jobe Bellingham puts a damper on the potential family face-off with brother Jude Bellingham, the match remains a headline-grabber in the tournament’s next stage.

Real Madrid took another step toward global supremacy on Tuesday night with a narrow but hard-fought 1–0 victory over Juventus in the Round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup. The match, played at a packed King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, saw Los Blancos edge past their Italian opponents thanks to a second-half header from rising star Gonzalo García.

The 19-year-old academy product was the difference-maker, rising highest in the 54th minute to nod home a pinpoint cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold. It was García’s third goal of the tournament and a clear statement of intent from the youngster as he cements his place in Xabi Alonso’s plans.

Juventus started brightly, creating early chances through Kolo Muani and Yildiz, but failed to capitalize. As the game progressed, Real Madrid grew into the contest, with Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde controlling the midfield and testing Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio multiple times. Valverde even came close with an acrobatic bicycle kick, only to be denied by the inspired Di Gregorio, who made 10 saves on the night.

Madrid manager Xabi Alonso switched to a 3–4–3 formation, which allowed his side to dominate possession and press higher up the pitch. The tactical change paid off handsomely, as Real’s intensity overwhelmed Juventus in the second half.

There was more reason for Madrid fans to cheer as Kylian Mbappé returned from illness to make his Club World Cup debut as a second-half substitute. Though not fully fit, his appearance signaled Madrid’s attacking depth as the tournament progresses.

Juventus, despite the defeat, can take pride in their defensive effort—particularly Di Gregorio’s heroic performance. However, they exit the tournament with more questions than answers about their offensive capabilities.

Real Madrid now move on to the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey on July 5, 2025.

Quick Match Summary:

• Final Score: Real Madrid 1–0 Juventus
• Goal: Gonzalo García (54’)
• Key Player: Michele Di Gregorio (Juventus – 10 saves)
• Real Madrid’s Next Match: July 5 vs. Dortmund or Monterrey

Real Madrid’s dream of a record-extending Club World Cup title lives on, and with young stars like García stepping up, the future looks bright for the Spanish giants.

In one of the most thrilling matches of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup so far, Saudi Arabian powerhouse Al Hilal pulled off a remarkable 4-3 victory over Manchester City after extra time in the Round of 16 on July 1 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.

Pep Guardiola’s side looked in control early on, with Bernardo Silva opening the scoring in the 9th minute following a fluid City build-up. But the game turned dramatically in the second half as Al Hilal roared back with a mix of clinical finishing and tactical discipline.

Marcos Leonardo drew the Saudi side level before Malcom gave them a 2-1 lead. City showed their resilience with Erling Haaland pulling them level, sending the tie into extra time.

The additional period delivered more drama. Kalidou Koulibaly put Al Hilal ahead again with a powerful header, only for Phil Foden to respond quickly and make it 3-3. But with just eight minutes to go, Leonardo struck again, curling home his second of the night to complete a stunning brace and send the underdogs through.

Despite controlling large portions of possession, Manchester City were punished for defensive lapses and an inability to contain Al Hilal on the break. The result marks a rare early exit for Guardiola’s side and adds to a growing sense of frustration after a season of near-misses.

Al Hilal now move on to face Brazilian champions Fluminense in the quarter-finals, having already taken down one European giant. Their statement win over the English champions serves notice to the rest of the field: this is a team capable of going all the way.