Club de Fútbol Monterrey, known as the Rayados, will face Borussia Dortmund this Tuesday, July 1, in a decisive duel for the quarterfinals of the 2025 Club World Cup. The match will be played at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta at 21:00 local time.
After an outstanding group stage, in which Monterrey drew with Inter Milan (1-1), drew goalless with River Plate and thrashed Urawa Red Diamonds 4-0, the Mexican team consolidated its position as the only surviving representative from North America. The elimination of teams such as Pachuca, Seattle Sounders, LAFC and Inter Miami left Los Rayados as the region’s last hope.
Dortmund, a tough opponent
Buzzy
Borussia Dortmund, runners-up in the UEFA Champions League in 2024, go into their match against Monterrey on the back of an inconsistent but effective group stage.
They drew 0-0 with Fluminense, beat Mamelodi Sundowns 4-3 and overcame Ulsan Hyundai 1-0.
Their strength lies in high pressing, recovery in the opponent’s half and the high level of Jobe Bellingham, brother of England star Jude Bellingham.
Dortmund has never faced Monterrey or any other Mexican club in official or friendly competition, making this a first-time meeting.
The only precedent between teams from both countries occurred in 2021, when Bayern Munich defeated Tigres UANL 1-0 in the final of the Club World Cup.
Controversy in Monterrey’s goalkeeping system
Despite the great moment of the team coached by Domènec Torrent, the goalkeeping situation is tense.
Esteban Andrada, who played a key role in the group stage with only one goal conceded, expressed his annoyance at the arrival of Uruguayan goalkeeper Santiago Mele, signed before the tournament.
No one told me. If I'm not in their plans, I would've looked for another club
His future at the club seems uncertain, despite his outstanding performance.
On the other hand, Monterrey recovers important players such as Sergio Canales, Johan Rojas and Jorge Rodríguez, who are essential to face a Dortmund team that has won eight of its last nine games.
Probable lineups
Borussia Dortmund: Gregor Kobel; Bensebaini, Anton, Ryerson; Svensson, Nmecha, Gross, Yan Couto; Brandt, Bellingham, Guirassy.
Monterrey: Andrada; Arteaga, Ramos, Medina, Chávez; Rodríguez, Deossa; Torres, Canales, Ocampos; Berterame.
Referee: Facundo Tello (Argentina)
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
