Borussia Dortmund have taken another big step toward becoming world champions after beating Monterrey 2-1 in the FIFA Club World Cup (CWC). The match was played at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. It was an exciting game with chances, goals, and drama — everything soccer fans love.
The hero of the night? Serhou Guirassy, who scored two goals in the first half to help Dortmund make it to the quarter-finals, where they’ll now face Real Madrid, one of the greatest soccer clubs in history.
Let’s break down how it all happened — and what’s coming next!
What Is the FIFA Club World Cup?
Before we dive in, here’s a quick soccer fact:
The FIFA Club World Cup is a tournament where the best soccer clubs from every continent come together to play. These teams won their own big tournaments at home (like the UEFA Champions League in Europe or the CONCACAF Champions League in North America), and now they compete for the title of world’s best club.
Dortmund are new to this tournament — it’s their first time ever playing in the Club World Cup. Monterrey, from Mexico, are a bit more experienced, but still looking to win it for the first time too.
Dortmund on Fire Before the Match
Before the match, Borussia Dortmund were in great form. They had not lost a single game in their last 10 matches — winning 8 and drawing 2. That kind of momentum gave them confidence heading into this big game.
On the other hand, Monterrey, the champions from Mexico, were also doing well. They had gone unbeaten in the group stage of the Club World Cup with 1 win and 2 draws, which helped them reach the knockout round.
This was also a historic match, because it was the first time these two teams had ever played against each other.
First Half: Guirassy Strikes Twice
Dortmund didn’t waste time. In just the 14th minute, their star forward Serhou Guirassy made it 1-0. The goal came from a fantastic move: German winger Karim Adeyemi used a beautiful back-heel pass to send Guirassy through on goal. With only the goalkeeper to beat, Guirassy stayed calm and slotted the ball into the net past Esteban Andrada.
Just seconds later, Monterrey almost hit back! Jesus Corona tried a tricky cross-shot that hit the outside of the post. Then, Nelson Deossa fired a powerful shot, but Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel made a great save.
But Dortmund weren’t done yet. In the 24th minute, Guirassy scored again to make it 2-0. It was almost a repeat of the first goal — once again, Adeyemi found him with a clever pass, and Guirassy scored with ease.
Fun Fact: Guirassy is originally from Guinea, a country in West Africa. He plays his club football in Germany but also represents his national team internationally.
By the 30th minute, he was already hunting for a hat-trick (three goals in one game), but he couldn’t quite reach a great cross from Jobe Bellingham, younger brother of soccer star Jude Bellingham.
Monterrey Fight Back in Second Half
At half-time, Monterrey were down 2-0 — but they didn’t give up.
Just three minutes after the break, they got a goal back. Their striker, German Berterame, headed the ball into the net from close range, scoring his third goal of the tournament. That made it 2-1, and suddenly, it was game on!
Dortmund brought on experienced midfielder Marcel Sabitzer to help control the game, but Monterrey kept pushing. Corona almost scored the equalizer, but Kobel saved again, diving to block a shot at the near post.
A few minutes later, Berterame thought he had scored again — but the goal was ruled offside by the smallest of margins. That’s how close Monterrey came to tying it.
Late Changes, But No Equalizer
As time ticked away, Monterrey made a triple substitution to add more attacking players, including Lucas Ocampos and Roberto de la Rosa. They threw everything at Dortmund to try and force extra time.
But Dortmund managed to hold on. Even though they didn’t play as well in the second half, their strong start was enough to carry them through.
Final score: Borussia Dortmund 2 – 1 Monterrey
Next Stop: Real Madrid in New York
With the win, Dortmund now move on to face Real Madrid — the five-time FIFA Club World Cup champions — in the quarter-finals. That game will be held on Saturday in New York, in what will be a rematch of the 2024 UEFA Champions League final.
Fun Fact: Real Madrid have won more Champions League titles (15) than any other club in history. Playing against them will be a massive challenge for Dortmund — but after beating Monterrey, they’ve proven they belong.
Monterrey’s Brave Journey Ends
Even though Monterrey lost, they can be very proud of how they played in the tournament. They went undefeated in the group stage and almost came back against a strong Dortmund side. Players like Berterame and Corona gave it their all, and fans will remember their fighting spirit.
Fun Fact: Monterrey are one of Mexico’s most successful clubs and have now played in six FIFA Club World Cups, more than any other team from their country.
Final Thoughts
This match had it all — amazing goals, big chances, close calls, and top-level drama. Guirassy’s two first-half goals were the difference, but Monterrey made it a battle right to the final whistle.
Now, soccer fans all over the world will be looking forward to the next round. Can Dortmund beat Real Madrid? Will Guirassy keep scoring? We’ll find out on Saturday in New York City!
Stay tuned — the FIFA Club World Cup is only getting better.
