Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund: Club World Cup Quarterfinal Preview
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 delivers a blockbuster quarterfinal as Real Madrid faces Borussia Dortmund at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This high-stakes European clash not only revives a recent Champions League rivalry but also promises drama, star power, and football at its finest.
Match Details
- Fixture: Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund (Quarterfinal)
- Date: Saturday, July 5, 2025
- Kickoff: 4:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM PT / 9:00 PM BST
- Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Road to the Quarterfinal
Real Madrid
- Group Stage:
- Drew 1-1 vs Al-Hilal
- Won 3-1 vs Pachuca
- Won 3-0 vs RB Salzburg
- Round of 16:
- Defeated Juventus 1-0
Key Stat: Real Madrid remains unbeaten in the tournament and has not lost a Club World Cup match since 2014, boasting 16 wins in 19 appearances
Borussia Dortmund
- Group Stage:
- Drew 0-0 vs Fluminense
- Won 4-3 vs Mamelodi Sundowns
- Won 1-0 vs Ulsan Hyundai
- Round of 16:
- Beat Monterrey 2-1
Key Stat: Dortmund is on an 11-match unbeaten streak, showing resilience and attacking flair under coach Niko Kovac
Recent Rivalry: A Champions League Rematch
This fixture is a repeat of the 2024 UEFA Champions League final, where Real Madrid triumphed 2-0 over Dortmund. Madrid has dominated recent meetings, winning four of the last five encounters, including a 5-2 victory in last season’s group phase
Key Players to Watch
| Real Madrid | Borussia Dortmund |
|---|---|
| Kylian Mbappé– French superstar, likely to start and make a major impact after debuting in the previous round. | Serhou Guirassy – In-form striker, scored twice against Monterrey, leads Dortmund’s attack. |
| Jude Bellingham– Faces his former club, brings dynamism to Madrid’s midfield. | Nico Schlotterbeck – Defensive anchor, key to holding off Madrid’s attack. |
| Vinicius Jr. & Valverde– Provide pace and creativity in attack. | Julian Brandt – Creative force in midfield, vital for Dortmund’s transitions. |
Tactical Outlook
- Real Madrid (Manager: Xabi Alonso):
- Likely to field a strong, attacking lineup with Mbappé, Bellingham, and Vinicius Jr.
- Alonso’s system emphasizes tactical discipline, pressing, and quick transitions.
- Borussia Dortmund (Manager: Niko Kovac):
- Embraces the underdog role, focusing on defensive solidity and counterattacks.
- Kovac’s team has grown in confidence, aiming to flip the script after last year’s final defeat
What’s at Stake?
The winner advances to the semifinals to face either Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich. For Real Madrid, victory would mean staying on course for a record-extending sixth Club World Cup title. For Dortmund, it’s a chance to avenge recent heartbreak and make history as underdogs.
Why This Match Matters
- Star Power: Mbappé’s presence, Bellingham’s reunion with Dortmund, and Guirassy’s form add layers of intrigue.
- Historic Rivalry: Recent high-stakes encounters have fueled a competitive edge between these clubs.
- Tournament Impact: The new Club World Cup format makes every knockout match a must-watch event.
Real Madrid enters as favorites thanks to their depth, experience, and current form. Dortmund, however, has the confidence and nothing to lose, making them a dangerous opponent. Expect a tightly contested match with moments of brilliance on both sides.
Don’t miss this epic showdown as Real Madrid faces Borussia Dortmund in the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinal, where European giants collide for a place in history.