Dortmund Face Real Madrid After Beating Monterrey At Club World Cup

Borussia Dortmund has followed league competitor Bayern Munich to the quarterfinals of the FIFA Club World Cup after a 2-1 win over Liga MX’s side Monterrey. The Bundesliga, therefore, becomes the only major European league with two teams in the final eight of the competition.

It was hard work for the Black and Yellows. After a brace by Serhou Guirassy (14’ & 24’ in the first half, Dortmund seemed in control at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. But an early second-half goal by German Berterame (48’) led to a nervous second half in which former Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos almost equalized with five minutes of injury time to go.

The header of the former Real Madrid defender, however, sailed wide of Gregor Kobel’s goal. It was one of many heart attack moments provided by Dortmund’s backline in the second half.

“It was difficult,” Guirassy said after the game to DAZN. “They are a good team. We had a good first half. The second half was a bit harder. But we won, and that is all that matters.”

On balance, it was a deserved result. The eye test suggested that the Mexicans dominated the second half, but even though they had 58% possession, Monterrey would finish the game with an xG of just 0.83 compared to Dortmund’s 1.61.

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The difference was in the finishing. His two goals today mean that Guirassy now leads the tournament in scoring with five goals in five games. After scoring 13 goals in 14 UEFA Champions League games during the 2024/25 season, once again, it underlines why Dortmund acted quickly to sign the striker from Stuttgart for just €18 million ($21 million) last summer.

With his goals, Guirassy has now effectively repaid his transfer fee. Dortmund earned an initial $26.6 million from entering the tournament. The seven points at the group stage and reaching the round of 16 have increased those earnings to $39.2 million. The club will now receive another $13.125 million for reaching the quarterfinals.

Altogether, Dortmund has earned $52.325 million from the tournament. According to a report by Sports Illustrated, only Bayern Munich ($58.2 million), PSG ($55.9 million), and Chelsea ($53.6 million) have earned more money at the tournament thus far.

Up next will be Real Madrid. The very club that defeated Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final in 2024. The Black and Yellows will want revenge for that game, but also reaching the semifinals and securing a potential matchup against Bayern Munich would guarantee another $21 million.

That money will be crucial as sporting director Sebastian Kehl wants to improve the squad on the transfer market this summer. After selling Jamie Gittens for €64 million ($75 million) to Chelsea, the Club World Cup money will be used to add depth to the attack in midfield.

That’s for after the Club World Cup, though. What will it take to beat Real? “I expect a very tough game,” Guirassy said. “Real Madrid wants to go through. It is going to be tough, but we will prepare and do our best.”