Old Rivals Reunited in America

Dortmund secured their quarter-final berth with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Mexican side Monterrey in the Round of 16. The German club showed resilience in holding off a second-half comeback from their opponents, with coach Niko Kovac describing the quarter-final appearance as “just a bonus for his overperforming team.”

Real Madrid, the club with the highest number of UEFA Champions League trophy and club World Cup trophy also advanced through the group stage and Round of 16 to reach the quarter-finals. Los Blancos entered the tournament as one of the favorites, representing European football’s elite alongside other continental champions.

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup represents a historic expansion of the tournament, featuring 32 elite clubs from around the world competing in the United States. This is the first edition of the expanded format, moving from the traditional seven-team annual tournament to a 32-team competition held every four years.

Historical Context and Rivalry

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This quarter-final matchup carries special memories as it reunites two clubs that have faced each other in the UEFA Champions League. The encounter at MetLife Stadium will provide both teams with an opportunity to settle scores on a global stage, with Real Madrid looking to maintain their recent dominance over European competition.

Team Analysis

Borussia Dortmund

Recent Form: Showing strong tournament mentality with their victory over Monterrey

Key Player: Jobe Bellingham and Guirassy has been highlighted as a crucial figure in Dortmund’s campaign

Manager: Niko Kovac has praised his team’s overperformance in reaching this stage

Strengths: Experienced in big matches, having reached the Champions League final recently

Challenge: Facing one of the tournament favorites in Real Madridt

Real Madrid

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Tournament Status: Among the top favorites for the competition

Recent Success: Champions League highest holders, bringing winning mentality

Experience: Vast experience in high-pressure knockout matches

Global Appeal: One of the most followed clubs in the tournament

Expectation: Heavy pressure to perform as expected favorites

Tactical Considerations

The match at MetLife Stadium will likely be decided by fine margins. Dortmund’s success will depend on their ability to recreate the energy and determination shown against Monterrey, while Real Madrid will look to impose their technical superiority and experience in crucial moments.

Kovac’s description of the quarter-final as a “bonus” suggests Dortmund may approach the match with less pressure, potentially allowing them to play with more freedom against the Spanish giants.

The winner of this quarter-final will advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for July 8-9, 2025, moving one step closer to the final at MetLife Stadium on July 13. Given the expanded format and global reach of this tournament, victory would represent a significant achievement for either club.