By Sachit Subba • Football • Jul 02, 2025 03:24 AM • 68 views
Borussia Dortmund are one step closer to global glory after edging Mexican giants Monterrey 2-1 in a tempestuous and gripping Club World Cup encounter, earning themselves a quarterfinal showdown with Real Madrid. A first-half brace from Serhou Guirassy proved decisive for the Bundesliga outfit, who were made to sweat in the dying stages as Monterrey mounted a spirited comeback led by veteran defender Sergio Ramos and a relentless midfield engine. Despite Dortmund's early dominance, the second half turned into a bruising test of endurance, composure, and tactical discipline.
Guirassy's Early Double Sets the Tone
Borussia Dortmund struck with surgical precision in the opening half. Serhou Guirassy, the Guinean forward brought in for nights like these, opened the scoring in the 13th minute, calmly slotting past Monterrey goalkeeper Esteban Andrada after a clever layoff from Karim Adeyemi. The pair combined again in the 23rd minute on a swift counter-attack. Adeyemi, electric down the flank, sliced through Monterrey's midfield and fed Guirassy, who made no mistake with his right-footed finish to the bottom corner. The Yellow Wall in the stands erupted as Dortmund surged 2-0 ahead. Gregor Kobel, Dortmund's often-underappreciated custodian, made a series of essential saves—most notably denying Nelson Deossa and Jesús Corona from range—to preserve the early cushion.
Monterrey Fight Back with Heart and Fire
Trailing 2-0 at halftime, Monterrey refused to fold. Javier Aguirre's side returned from the dressing room with renewed intensity and purpose. Germán Berterame pulled one back in the 47th minute, heading home from close range off a pinpoint Érick Aguirre cross. The momentum shifted, and Dortmund suddenly found themselves on the back foot. Ramos—yes, that Ramos—nearly equalised with a thunderous header in the 90th minute that missed by inches. Deossa, the midfield dynamo, was a constant threat, forcing Dortmund into frantic defensive clearances. The final moments saw yellow cards, injuries, and substitutions as both sides battled attrition and the clock, with the game ultimately coming down to a tense finish. Guirassy received a booking for a clumsy challenge in stoppage time, summing up the frantic nature of the match's conclusion.
