International Sports
FIFA Club WC: Dortmund triumphs as Real Madrid advance in Round of 16
Real Madrid edged Juventus 1–0 to progress to the last eight. Gonzalo Garcia cored the decisive second-half header, marking his third goal of the FIFA Club WC tournament.
The knockout stage of the FIFA Club World Cup delivered more twists on Tuesday, with Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid securing their quarter-final spots. These victories set the stage for a highly anticipated showdown between the two European heavyweights.
This comes after football fans were treated to high drama on Monday as two of Europe’s biggest clubs—Manchester City and Inter Milan—crashed out of the tournament in a stunning day of round-of-16 action.
Al-Hilal’s extra-time triumph over City and Fluminense’s measured victory over Inter marked a dramatic shift in the tournament narrative, as South American and Asian clubs asserted their strength on the global stage.
Dortmund edges Monterrey 2–1
At Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Borussia Dortmund secured a 2–1 victory over Mexico’s Monterrey, earning their place in the quarter-finals.
Striker Serhou Guirassy sparked the win with two first-half goals in the 14th and 24th minutes. Monterrey responded immediately after the break, as German Berterame pulled one back in the 48th minute.
Despite intense pressure and a near miss by veteran Sergio Ramos, Dortmund held firm. Guirassy was named Player of the Match. However, Dortmund will face Real Madrid without Jobe Bellingham, who is suspended due to yellow card accumulation.
Coach Niko Kovac praised his squad and described the upcoming clash with Real Madrid as “a bonus.” He emphasized that matching Tuesday’s performance could give his team “a real chance” to upset Xabi Alonso’s side.
Real Madrid secure 1–0 win over Juventus
In Miami, Real Madrid edged Juventus 1–0 to progress to the last eight. Gonzalo Garcia cored the decisive second-half header, marking his third goal of the tournament.
Superstar Kylian Mbappé, sidelined during the group stage by gastroenteritis, made his long-awaited Club World Cup debut as a substitute, receiving a hero’s welcome from the crowd.
Manager Xabi Alonso commended Mbappé’s recovery. He said: “I think day by day he will get better… by the time of the quarters he should be in much better shape.”
The wins set up a blockbuster quarter-final showdown between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, scheduled for Saturday, July 5, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The result will determine who advances to the semi-finals on July 8 or 9.