Borussia Dortmund advanced to the Club World Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday after a tense 2-1 victory over Monterrey at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, setting up a blockbuster clash with Real Madrid in New Jersey.
Two sharp finishes from Serhou Guirassy in the first half proved decisive, although the German side had to weather a fierce second-half rally from the Mexican club, led by the tireless Jesus Corona and goalscorer German Berterame.
The game began at a frenetic pace, with Monterrey testing Dortmund early through long-range efforts, including a powerful strike from Nelson Deossa. But it was Dortmund who struck first in the 14th minute, when Guirassy finished confidently inside the near post after a slick one-two with Karim Adeyemi.
Monterrey responded quickly, with Corona skimming the outside of the post and Deossa again forcing a save from Gregor Kobel. Yet Dortmund doubled their lead in the 24th minute. Julian Ryerson’s robust challenge regained possession, and his long pass released Adeyemi, who calmly set up Guirassy for a clinical second goal past Esteban Andrada.
Guirassy, already on a brace, could have completed his hat-trick before the break but missed two prime opportunities created by Jobe Bellingham and Pascal Gross.
The match turned after halftime, as Monterrey came out with renewed energy. Just three minutes into the second half, Corona’s curling cross found Erick Aguirre, who nodded it across goal for Berterame to head home and halve the deficit.
From there, it was all Monterrey. Kobel had to be sharp to deny Corona, who also sent another shot over the bar. Berterame appeared to equalize in the 67th minute, only for the effort to be ruled offside.
Dortmund steadied after making substitutions around the 70th minute mark, slowing the tempo and regaining composure. Guirassy had a couple of half-chances to complete his hat-trick, but Monterrey kept pressing.
In the dying moments, veteran Sergio Ramos joined the attack and nearly rescued Monterrey, hitting the post with a powerful header. But Dortmund’s defence held firm to see out the victory.
Jobe Bellingham, booked in the 28th minute, will miss the quarterfinal, denying a much-anticipated reunion with his brother Jude of Real Madrid.
The German side now face a stern test against the 15-time European champions this Saturday.
