Serhou Guirassy struck twice in the first half to propel Borussia Dortmund to a 2-1 victory over Mexico’s Monterrey and book their place in the Club World Cup quarter-finals, where they will face Spanish giants Real Madrid.
The in-form Guinean striker, who now has 37 goals this season, was clinical as Dortmund capitalized on their early dominance at the air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a welcome shift from the sweltering group-stage conditions. Despite a spirited second-half comeback from Monterrey, Guirassy’s double proved enough.
Guirassy opened the scoring in the 14th minute after a sharp one-two with Karim Adeyemi allowed him to wrong-foot Monterrey’s Jorge Rodríguez and slot home at the near post. Ten minutes later, the 29-year-old added a second, once again fed by Adeyemi, calmly finishing from the edge of the box.
“Guirassy is one of the best strikers in the world,” said Dortmund defender Yan Couto. “He made the difference today.”
Monterrey nearly equalized midway through the first half when Jesus Corona’s curling cross struck the post. But the Liga MX side, led by veteran defender Sergio Ramos, found a foothold after the break.
Early in the second half, German Berterame pulled one back with a header from a rebound, and Monterrey pushed for an equaliser. Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel was called into action several times, notably denying Corona, who later appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty after a challenge from Niklas Süle.
Berterame appeared to score a second, but it was ruled out for offside, and late in stoppage time, Ramos, pushed forward in a desperate final move, nearly forced extra time, heading narrowly wide in a moment reminiscent of his famous 2014 Champions League final goal.
“I think I could have scored at least three,” Guirassy admitted post-match. “But the most important thing is we’re through. Real Madrid will be tough, but we’re ready.”
Dortmund will now prepare for a quarter-final clash against Real Madrid, who earlier edged Juventus 1-0. The match promises a high-stakes battle, though Dortmund will be without Jobe Bellingham, who received a booking and will miss the reunion with his brother Jude Bellingham.
Despite the loss, Ramos praised his team’s fight. “The fans saw that we gave everything,” he said. “We defended the shirt with pride.”
Dortmund and Real Madrid will meet in the quarter-finals on Saturday, in what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the tournament.
Written By Rodney Mbua
