Borussia Dortmund and Monterrey go head-to-head in Atlanta on Wednesday in a crucial Club World Cup last-16 fixture. With a spot in the quarter-finals and a potential date with either Real Madrid or Juventus up for grabs, both teams arrive unbeaten in the competition and full of belief.
This marks the first-ever meeting between the German giants and Liga MX powerhouse in an official contest.
Match Overview
Monterrey made it through Group E behind Inter Milan, securing five points after a late surge. After drawing their first two matches against Inter and River Plate, they delivered a stunning 4-0 demolition of Urawa Red Diamonds, with four goals in a 10-minute first-half burst.
That result, combined with Inter’s victory over River, propelled them into second place and into the knockouts. Borussia Dortmund topped Group F with seven points, despite being pushed in every match. They opened with a goalless draw against Fluminense, followed by a dramatic 4-3 win over Mamelodi Sundowns.
Their final game was a workmanlike 1-0 win over Ulsan HD, with Daniel Svensson netting the winner after Jobe Bellingham’s first assist for the club. That result extended Dortmund’s unbeaten streak to 10 matches across all competitions.
Team News
Dortmund may be without Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, who is reportedly nearing a move to Chelsea and missed the last game. However, Julian Brandt returned from a wrist injury and made a substitute appearance against Ulsan. It remains uncertain if he will start, but Kovac has other attacking options including Maximilian Beier, Giovanni Reyna, and Julien Duranville.
Monterrey welcome Jorge Rodriguez back from suspension, giving them a midfield boost. With the team in excellent form against Urawa, coach Domenec Torrent may avoid major changes, leaving former La Liga stars Sergio Canales and Lucas Ocampos on the bench again. Veteran defender Sergio Ramos is expected to lead the backline once more.
Tactical Review
Kovac’s Dortmund have shown tactical variety, alternating between quick transitions and possession-based play. Their midfield trio of Sabitzer, Nmecha, and Bellingham provides energy and vision, while wing-backs Couto and Svensson offer width. Dortmund’s biggest strength lies in resilience and the ability to grind out close games.
Monterrey thrive on intensity and set-piece execution, with Ramos a constant threat in the box. The Mexican side often start aggressively and look to build early momentum. With Corona and Berterame up front, they have the flair and finishing needed to test any defense. Their recent performance against Urawa shows they can pounce quickly when opportunities arise.
How to Watch
Fans can stream the match live via DAZN globally. In the UK, it’s available on the DAZN app across multiple devices, with highlights and post-match coverage shared through DAZN’s social media platforms.
Predictions
Softfootball Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 1-0 Monterrey
Monterrey’s energy and attacking ambition make them dangerous, but Dortmund’s structure and composure could win the day. Expect a tight contest with limited chances, likely decided by a single goal. If Dortmund maintain defensive discipline, one goal should be enough to see them through to the next round.