Serhou Guirassy’s two goals propelled Borussia Dortmund into an exciting quarter-final clash against five-time FIFA Club World Cup (CWC) champions Real Madrid, following a 2-1 victory over Monterrey at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday.
Fresh to the CWC, Dortmund entered the match unbeaten in their last ten encounters (W8, D2). This positive momentum allowed Niko Kovac’s men to dominate Monterrey in the early stages of the game, marking their first-ever meeting with a Liga MX team.
A clear gap in quality was evident as Dortmund took the lead after just 14 minutes, with Guirassy showcasing his clinical touch by slotting a one-on-one effort past Esteban Andrada after receiving a brilliant back-heel pass from Karim Adeyemi.
Unfazed, Monterrey nearly equalised immediately after the restart, as Jesus Corona’s cross-shot hit the outside of the post, followed by a powerful attempt from Nelson Deossa that tested Gregor Kobel.
Dortmund responded promptly, with Guirassy doubling their advantage just ten minutes later, again thanks to Adeyemi’s vision, as he found the net with a well-placed shot after breaking through on goal.
The Guinean striker continued to threaten, coming close to a hat-trick shortly after the half-hour mark, only to miss the connection with Jobe Bellingham’s superb cross into the box.
Monterrey appeared rejuvenated after the halftime break, making an immediate impact in the second half.
Having already scored twice in the tournament, German Berterame added a crucial goal for Monterrey with a close-range header.
Despite the efforts of seasoned midfielder Marcel Sabitzer to halt Monterrey’s momentum, Kobel was forced into a stunning save to deny Corona’s close-range shot from finding the net.
The fight from Monterrey continued into the match, and Dortmund found themselves under pressure as the game progressed beyond the hour mark, with Berterame denied another goal due to a notoriously tight offside call.
Even a last-minute triple substitution, which included attacking players Lucas Ocampos and Roberto de la Rosa, couldn’t help Monterrey force extra time, as Dortmund held on for the win despite a lacklustre second-half display.
In the end, Monterrey succumbed to the pressure of the Big Apple, and a rematch of the 2024 UEFA Champions League final is now set to take place in New York this weekend. Guirassy capped off what was a commendable showing from the Mexican side in the 2025 FIFA CWC, as they bowed out after finishing unbeaten in the group stage (W1, D2).
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Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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