Two familiar foes from European football collide once again—this time on a different continent—as Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund face off in a blockbuster quarter-final at the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup in New Jersey.
Having contested the UEFA Champions League final just last year in Wembley, the two sides now meet with a semi-final place on the line. Awaiting the winner is another high-profile clash—either against Dortmund’s domestic rivals Bayern Munich or French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Madrid’s March Under Alonso
Real Madrid have been steadily building momentum at this revamped Club World Cup. After a tentative start—drawing their opening match against Al-Hilal—Los Blancos found their rhythm, dispatching Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg in the group stage before eliminating Juventus in the Round of 16.
Under new manager Xabi Alonso, Real’s identity has shifted. The former midfield maestro has implemented a system based on high energy, tactical versatility, and more fluid positional play—an evolution from his predecessor’s approach.
Against Juventus, Madrid were dominant, registering 11 shots on target from seven different players. The standout was academy graduate Gonzalo García, whose decisive second-half strike underlined the depth and talent emerging from Madrid’s ranks. The 1–0 scoreline flattered Juve, with Madrid largely in control throughout.
Tonight’s game marks Real Madrid’s record 20th appearance in the Club World Cup. Remarkably, the Spanish giants remain unbeaten in the competition—winning 16 times and lifting the trophy on five occasions. Since 2014, only Al-Hilal have managed to avoid defeat against them in this tournament.
Los Blancos also carry a strong head-to-head record into this encounter, having won their last four meetings with Dortmund—including a comprehensive 5–2 victory in Madrid back in October.
Dortmund’s Revival Under Kovac
Borussia Dortmund, however, arrive in the United States with form, belief, and a sense of renewed identity. Croatian coach Niko Kovač has masterminded a remarkable turnaround—lifting BVB from mid-table mediocrity in the Bundesliga to a fourth-place finish and a return to the Champions League next season.
That resurgence has continued at the Club World Cup. Dortmund topped Group F after a dramatic 4–3 win over Mamelodi Sundowns, a draw with Copa Libertadores winners Fluminense, and a routine victory over Ulsan HD.
In the Round of 16, BVB overcame Monterrey thanks to a blistering start. Guinean striker Serhou Guirassy netted twice in the opening 30 minutes—both goals created by a revitalised Karim Adeyemi, who has flourished in Kovač’s setup. Guirassy, in fact, was responsible for all six of Dortmund’s shots on goal in that game.
The German side have now gone unbeaten in 10 matches—winning nine and drawing once, including against semi-final hopefuls Bayern Munich. Momentum is clearly on their side, and they’ll be desperate to avenge their Champions League final defeat to Real.
History and Stakes
While Real Madrid boast the historical edge, including that triumph in last year’s Champions League final, Dortmund’s only success over the Spanish giants in a knockout setting came in 2013. That legacy adds fuel to what promises to be an intense and finely balanced clash.
Dortmund are seeking their first FIFA Club World Cup title, having won the Intercontinental Cup back in 1997. For Real Madrid, the objective is familiar: extend their dominance on the world stage and lift a sixth Club World Cup crown.
With contrasting styles, storied histories, and top-tier talent on both sides, this all-European quarter-final is not just a battle for a semi-final ticket—it’s another chapter in a growing continental rivalry.