Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund | Club World Cup | Quarter-Finals | Pre Match

In a thrilling all-European showdown at the FIFA Club World Cup, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund are set to lock horns in a high-stakes quarter-final clash on Saturday evening in New Jersey, with a coveted spot in the semi-finals on the line. This encounter brings together two giants of European football, familiar adversaries from their numerous battles in the UEFA Champions League, now vying for supremacy on the global stage. The winner of this pulsating contest will earn the right to face either Bayern Munich, Dortmund’s fierce domestic rivals, or the all-conquering Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals, a matchup that promises to elevate the intensity of an already fiercely competitive tournament. The backdrop of New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, with its sprawling capacity and vibrant atmosphere, adds an extra layer of grandeur to this fixture, as fans from both sides converge to witness a battle that blends tactical intrigue, historical rivalry, and individual brilliance. For Real Madrid, the record five-time Club World Cup champions, this match represents another opportunity to extend their unparalleled legacy in the competition, while for Dortmund, it’s a chance to upset the odds and continue their remarkable resurgence under new management. With both teams bringing contrasting styles and rich narratives to the table, this quarter-final is poised to be a defining moment in the 2025 Club World Cup. Real Madrid have been a force to be reckoned with in the revamped Club World Cup, steadily building momentum after an opening draw against Al-Hilal in the group stage. Under the innovative leadership of Xabi Alonso, who has instilled a fresh philosophy of high-intensity running and tactical flexibility, Los Blancos have emerged as one of the tournament’s most formidable outfits. Their journey to the quarter-finals saw them dispatch Mexican side Pachuca and Austrian champions Red Bull Salzburg with relative ease, before a commanding performance against Juventus in the last-16 round cemented their status as serious contenders. Against Juventus, Real Madrid showcased their attacking depth, registering an impressive 11 shots on target, with seven different players contributing to that tally. It was academy graduate Gonzalo Garcia who stole the headlines, however, with a clinical second-half strike that secured a comfortable victory, despite the scoreline suggesting a closer contest. Garcia’s emergence as a key figure in Alonso’s squad has been one of the standout stories of the tournament, with the young forward’s composure and versatility adding a new dimension to Real’s attack. The Spanish giants’ ability to dominate possession, create chances, and maintain defensive solidity has made them a well-rounded unit, and their record of 16 wins and zero losses in 19 previous Club World Cup matches—coupled with five titles since 2000—underscores their pedigree in this competition. Only Al-Hilal have managed to halt their juggernaut since 2014, a testament to Real Madrid’s relentless pursuit of excellence on the global stage. Alonso’s tactical evolution has been a key factor in Real Madrid’s success, as the former midfielder has transitioned the team from a traditional 4-3-3 formation to a more dynamic 3-5-2 setup during their time in the United States. This shift has allowed Real to maximize their midfield control while providing flexibility in attack, with players like Jude Bellingham thriving in advanced roles. Bellingham, who will face his former club Dortmund for the third time since his move to Madrid in 2023, has been a pivotal figure, contributing two assists in two games against BVB since his departure. His familiarity with Dortmund’s style, honed during his 132 appearances for the German club, gives Alonso a strategic edge, though the absence of his younger brother, Jobe Bellingham, due to a suspension will deprive the match of a compelling sibling rivalry. Real Madrid’s attacking options are further bolstered by the return of Kylian Mbappé, La Liga’s Pichichi winner, who made a cameo appearance against Juventus after recovering from gastroenteritis. Mbappé’s presence poses a selection dilemma for Alonso, as Gonzalo Garcia’s four goal involvements in the tournament have made a strong case for his inclusion. Despite injury concerns, with Eduardo Camavinga, David Alaba, Endrick, and Ferland Mendy sidelined, Real Madrid’s squad depth and tactical adaptability make them a formidable proposition. Their recent record against Dortmund—four consecutive wins, including a 5-2 thrashing in October 2024 and a 2-0 victory in the 2024 Champions League final—further bolsters their confidence heading into this clash. Borussia Dortmund, however, are not to be underestimated, as they arrive in New Jersey riding a wave of momentum under the transformative leadership of Croatian coach Niko Kovac. After a turbulent start to the 2024-25 Bundesliga season, Kovac has overseen a stunning revival, guiding Dortmund from 11th to fourth in the league and securing Champions League qualification for the following season. This resurgence has carried over to the Club World Cup, where Dortmund topped Group F with a draw against Fluminense, a 4-3 thriller against Mamelodi Sundowns, and a victory over Ulsan HD. Their last-16 clash against Mexican side Monterrey showcased their attacking potency, with star striker Serhou Guirassy scoring twice before the half-hour mark, both goals assisted by the revitalized Karim Adeyemi. Guirassy, who has netted 64 goals in 101 Bundesliga appearances and three in the Club World Cup, has been the spearhead of Dortmund’s attack, while Adeyemi’s pace and creativity have added a dynamic edge to their frontline. Kovac’s tactical acumen has been instrumental in Dortmund’s nine wins in their 10 games, with their only non-victory a draw against Bayern Munich, a potential semi-final opponent. This remarkable run has instilled a renewed sense of belief in a squad that is chasing its first Club World Cup title, having previously won the Intercontinental Cup in 1997 as European champions. Despite their historical struggles against Real Madrid—most notably their defeat in the 2024 Champions League final—Dortmund’s current form suggests they have the potential to spring an upset. Kovac’s Dortmund have embraced an aggressive, high-pressing style that has overwhelmed opponents in the tournament, with their ability to transition quickly from defense to attack proving particularly effective. The absence of key players Emre Can, Salih Ozcan, and Nico Schlotterbeck due to injury, coupled with Jobe Bellingham’s suspension, presents challenges, but Kovac has viable options in Marcel Sabitzer and Julian Brandt to fill the midfield void. Sabitzer’s experience and Brandt’s creativity could prove crucial in countering Real Madrid’s midfield dominance, while Guirassy’s goal-scoring prowess will test a Real defense missing several key figures. Dortmund’s only previous victory over Real Madrid in a knockout tie came in the 2013 Champions League semi-finals, a memory that may inspire belief in the squad, but their four straight losses to Los Blancos since 2017 highlight the scale of the challenge. Kovac, who has faced Alonso’s teams multiple times during his tenure at Bayern Munich and now Dortmund, will be wary of Real’s tactical flexibility and star power, particularly with Mbappé back in contention. The battle in midfield, where Bellingham will look to assert his influence against his former teammates, and the duel between Guirassy and Real’s makeshift backline, will likely define the outcome of this contest. As the two sides prepare to face off in New Jersey, the contrast in styles—Real Madrid’s controlled, possession-based approach under Alonso versus Dortmund’s high-octane, pressing game under Kovac—promises a tactical spectacle. Real Madrid’s unbeaten record in the Club World Cup and their historical edge over Dortmund make them the favorites, but Dortmund’s recent form and newfound resilience under Kovac suggest they are capable of defying the odds. The absence of key players on both sides adds an element of unpredictability, while the individual battles, such as Bellingham versus his former club and Guirassy’s duel with Real’s defense, will add layers of intrigue. For Real Madrid, a victory would reinforce their status as the kings of club football and keep their hopes of a sixth Club World Cup title alive. For Dortmund, a win would mark a significant milestone in their renaissance and bring them closer to a historic first triumph in the competition. With the semi-finals beckoning and the stakes higher than ever, this quarter-final clash at MetLife Stadium is set to deliver a footballing spectacle worthy of the global stage.