Borussia Dortmund Cruise Past Monterrey into Club World Cup Semis

Borussia Dortmund punched their ticket to the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday night, leaning on a clinical two-goal burst from Serhou Guirassy to dispatch Monterrey 2-1 and end Sergio Ramos’ dreams of lifting another international trophy.

Borussia Dortmund seize control with Guirassy’s quickfire brace

The Bundesliga side wasted no time asserting themselves in Jeddah. In the 6th minute, Julian Brandt threaded a perfectly weighted pass behind Monterrey’s high line. Guirassy shrugged off Jesús Gallardo and slipped a low finish beyond Esteban Andrada to open the scoring. Five minutes later, the Guinean striker struck again, pouncing on a loose clearance to curl home from 16 metres. The double lifted Guirassy to four goals in the tournament and left Rayados reeling.

Ramos rallies Monterrey, but Berterame’s strike not enough

Veteran centre-back Sergio Ramos, desperate to add the Club World Cup to his bulging résumé, marshalled Monterrey forward after the early setback. The Liga MX runners-up found a foothold when Germán Berterame halved the deficit on 39 minutes, steering in Jordi Cortizo’s cut-back for his third goal of the competition. Ramos nearly levelled with a trademark towering header just before the break, but Gregor Kobel clawed the effort off the line.

Second-half composure sends BVB through

After the interval, Borussia Dortmund tightened their midfield press. Emre Can and Marcel Sabitzer disrupted Monterrey’s rhythm, while Nico Schlotterbeck kept Rogelio Funes Mori quiet. Despite Rayados enjoying 58 percent possession, they rarely troubled Kobel again. Dortmund boss Edin Terzić introduced Karim Adeyemi and Youssoufa Moukoko to stretch play on the counter, forcing Monterrey to retreat and limiting Ramos’ forays forward.

What the victory means for Borussia Dortmund

The win propels Borussia Dortmund into a mouth-watering semi-final against European champions Real Madrid. It will be the clubs’ first competitive meeting since the 2017 UEFA Champions League group stage, and Terzić believes his side can spring a surprise: “We showed resilience tonight. If we play with this intensity, we can compete with anyone, even Madrid.”

Domenec Torrent tastes first defeat

For Monterrey head coach Domenec Torrent, the loss was a harsh first blemish on his young tenure. “We conceded two avoidable goals and that cost us,” the Spaniard admitted. “But I am proud of the fight we showed. We will learn and grow.” Monterrey return to Mexico to prepare for the Clausura opener against Pachuca, buoyed by Berterame’s prolific form and Ramos’ leadership.

Key stats

• Shots: Borussia Dortmund 14 – 11 Monterrey
• Expected Goals: 1.9 – 1.2
• Duels won: Dortmund 55% – 45% Monterrey
• Pass accuracy: Both sides at 87%
• Man of the Match: Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund)

Guirassy’s renaissance continues

The former Stuttgart striker has been a revelation since swapping Swabia for the Ruhr. His brace moved him past the 20-goal mark in all competitions this season. More importantly, his movement has unlocked space for Brandt and Marco Reus, who orchestrated play between the lines throughout the contest. If Guirassy maintains this purple patch, Real Madrid’s back line will have plenty to ponder.

Real Madrid showdown: early tactical talking points

Terzić is expected to retain Dortmund’s fluid 4-2-3-1 shape. Jude Bellingham’s departure has forced creativity to be shared among Brandt, Reus and Sabitzer, while the pace of Adeyemi can stretch Madrid’s high defensive block. On the flip side, containing Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham—now donning white—will require disciplined tracking from Dortmund’s full-backs Ian Maatsen and Marius Wolf.

Monterrey’s positives despite exit

Although eliminated, Rayados can draw encouragement. Young midfielder Alejandro Orellana impressed with his tempo setting, while 24-year-old winger Jordi Cortizo added another assist. If Torrent can blend these emerging talents with Ramos’ savvy, Monterrey should remain Liga MX title contenders.

Historical context: Dortmund at the Club World Cup

This is Borussia Dortmund’s second appearance at the tournament; their first came in 1997 when it was still the Intercontinental Cup. A victory over Madrid would send them to their first global final, and captain Emre Can stated bluntly: “We came here to make history.”

Broadcast and scheduling

The semi-final against Real Madrid kicks off on Saturday at 20:00 local time (18:00 CET). European audiences can tune in via DAZN, while North American viewers will find coverage on FOX Sports and ViX.

Quotes from the dressing rooms

• Serhou Guirassy: “Two goals are great, but the job’s not done.”
• Sergio Ramos: “We fought to the end. Credit to Dortmund; small details decide these matches.”
• Edin Terzić: “Our mentality is our biggest weapon.”

Opinion: Dortmund’s statement of intent

Guirassy’s first-half blitz was a microcosm of what Borussia Dortmund can be when their pressing and passing click in harmony. Yes, Real Madrid represent a monumental step up in class, but the swagger on display suggests BVB won’t simply roll over. If the Black and Yellows replicate this ruthless edge, an upset could be brewing in Saudi Arabia.