Real Madrid Face Dortmund in Club World Cup Quarterfinal Showdown
What a clash we’ve got on our hands today — Real Madrid versus Borussia Dortmund in the Club World Cup quarterfinals, live from MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. It’s a rematch of the 2024 UEFA Champions League final, and once again, the stakes are sky-high. The winner of this high-octane battle earns a spot in the semi-finals against none other than Paris Saint-Germain.
Real Madrid, the kings of this competition with five titles, are entering this match with confidence and momentum. Xabi Alonso’s side has not only won three straight matches in this tournament but is showing tactical depth and solid team chemistry. Despite Kylian Mbappé being on the bench due to lingering fitness issues, the team has found a surprising hero in Gonzalo GarcÃa. The academy product has stepped up brilliantly in Mbappé’s absence, scoring three goals and providing an assist across four games — his story is one of opportunity seized.
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The starting eleven for Madrid features a mix of youthful energy and seasoned experience: Courtois in goal, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Rudiger in defense, Bellingham and Valverde in the middle, with Vinicius Junior and GarcÃa leading the attack. Alonso is clearly banking on mobility, pressure, and directness in the final third.
On the other side, Borussia Dortmund are looking to rewrite their recent history with Madrid, who’ve beaten them four straight times — including that 2-0 Champions League final defeat last year. Dortmund arrives at this quarterfinal riding an 11-game unbeaten streak across competitions. They've looked sharp, especially in their 2-1 win against Monterrey in the last round, where Serhou Guirassy scored a crucial brace.
Niko Kovac has made tactical tweaks to shore up Dortmund’s defense, switching to a back-three formation that also gives attacking freedom to players like Adeyemi and Guirassy. Julian Brandt and Marcel Sabitzer come into the starting XI today, replacing Felix Nmecha and the suspended Jobe Bellingham. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Gregor Kobel — who has been sensational all tournament — will be vital if Dortmund want to pull off an upset.
While Madrid are the bookmakers’ favorites — Opta gives them a 60% chance of advancing, and 47% to win in regular time — Dortmund’s hunger, form, and underdog mentality make them a dangerous opponent. They’re not just here to participate; they’re here to shock the giants.
It's youth versus legacy. Experience versus ambition. And the world is watching.
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