A thrilling Club World Cup showdown between Borussia Dortmund and Mamelodi Sundowns lit up the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, delivering a total of seven goals. Despite leading early, the South African side fell 4-3 to the Germans in a match filled with momentum swings and costly mistakes.
Sundowns initially impressed with their possession-heavy approach, aiming to control the pace and pressure the opposition. Their efforts were rewarded in the 11th minute when Lucas Ribeiro struck to give them the lead. However, Dortmund quickly adjusted and capitalised on errors from the Sundowns defence, including a goalkeeper misstep and a wayward pass near midfield.
The German side turned the tide before the break. Felix Nmecha, Serhou Guirassy, and Jobe Bellingham—scoring his first goal for Dortmund on his full debut—helped build a commanding 3-1 lead. A further own goal from Mudau widened the gap in the second half.
Still, Sundowns showed fight. Goals from Iqraam Rayners and Lebo Mothiba narrowed the deficit, pushing Dortmund until the final whistle. Despite dominating possession (59%) and outshooting their opponents 16 to 8, the South African club paid for their defensive lapses.
Match statistics revealed a close contest in chances created, but key moments defined the outcome. Dortmund now lead the group with four points, with Sundowns trailing at three. Fluminense, sitting on one point, will look to shake up the standings when they meet Ulsan later tonight.