Match 60 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will see European giants Real Madrid face Borussia Dortmund in a thrilling quarter-final clash on Saturday, July 5 at 4:00 PM ET (1:30 AM IST, July 6) at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford. Real Madrid secured their spot in the last eight with a narrow 1–0 win over Juventus, courtesy of a decisive goal by young talent Gonzalo García. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund advanced after a hard-fought 2–1 victory against Monterrey, powered by a brace from striker Serhou Guirassy. This encounter is a much-anticipated rematch of the 2024 UEFA Champions League final, adding extra intensity and narrative to an already electrifying showdown. With both teams carrying momentum and stacked with talent, fans can expect a high-stakes, action-packed battle for a place in the semi-finals.
Recent Form
Real Madrid
Real Madrid have started strong in the Club World Cup:
• 3–1 vs Pachuca, 3–0 vs RB Salzburg, and 1–0 vs Juventus in the round of 16, thanks partly to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s assist for Gonzalo García’s goal.
• Under Xabi Alonso, they’ve found consistency and tactical clarity.
• Alonso’s era began after a season without silverware, and this tournament is seen as a major morale boost.
Borussia
• Borussia Dortmund have surged under Niko Kovač, securing Champions League qualification domestically.
• Undefeated through Group F and beat Monterrey 2–1 (Guirassy brace).
• The defense, now in a back-three with Niklas Süle, has stabilized.
• However, Jobe Bellingham is suspended—no potential brotherly duel with Jude.
Team Details
The detailed team profiles for both Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarter-final clash:
Real Madrid
Manager: Xabi Alonso
Club Confederation: UEFA (Europe)
2024–25 Status: UEFA Champions League Winners
Tournament Path:
• Beat Pachuca (3–1)
• Beat Salzburg (3–0)
• Beat Juventus (1–0) in Round of 16
Squad Strength & Identity
Real Madrid are evolving under Xabi Alonso, blending classic control with dynamic pressing. With experienced players like Courtois, Carvajal, and Modrić, and emerging stars like Jude Bellingham, Arda Güler, and Gonzalo García, the team is well-balanced and versatile.
Key Players
• Jude Bellingham – All-action midfielder and driving force
• Vinícius Jr. – Lightning-fast attacker, key to wide play
• Federico Valverde – Powerhouse midfielder with box-to-box influence
• Trent Alexander-Arnold – Recently signed, offering tactical fluidity at right center-back or wing-back
• Gonzalo García – Young striker who scored the winner vs Juventus
Style of Play
Typically lines up in a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3:
• Emphasis on wide overloads, wing-backs pushing high
• Central control via Bellingham, Valverde, Tchouaméni
• Dynamic movement from front two (Vini Jr., Güler/García)
Borussia Dortmund
Manager: Niko Kovač
Club Confederation: UEFA (Europe)
2024–25 Status: UEFA Champions League Runners-up
Tournament Path:
• Beat Monterrey (2–1) in Round of 16
Squad Strength & Identity
Dortmund come into the tournament with a balanced squad under Kovač, who has built defensive stability around a back three. They’re compact off the ball and clinical in transition, led by striker Serhou Guirassy and attacking midfielders like Julian Brandt.
Key Players
• Serhou Guirassy – Leading goal scorer, physical and clinical
• Julian Brandt – Playmaker with high chance creation
• Niklas Süle – Tall, commanding presence in defense
• Karim Adeyemi – Fast, tricky forward capable of creating havoc
• Gregor Kobel – Reliable, top-tier goalkeeper
Style of Play
Primarily a 3-4-2-1 setup:
• Guirassy as target man with support from Brandt and Adeyemi
• Midfield duo (likely Nmecha and Groß) shield the back line
• Wing-backs stretch play and provide width
• Defensive structure prioritizes compactness and aerial strength
Predicted lineups
The predicted starting lineups for the high-voltage quarter-final showdown between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund:
Real Madrid (likely 4–3–3 under Xabi Alonso)
• GK: Thibaut Courtois
• Defenders: Trent Alexander‑Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger, Dean Huijsen, Fran García
• Midfield Trio: Federico Valverde (capt.), Aurélien Tchouaméni, Jude Bellingham
• Forward Line: Arda Güler, Gonzalo García, Vinícius Júnior (or Kylian Mbappé if fully fit)
Note: Carvajal remains injured, and Alexander‑Arnold has impressed but isn’t guaranteed a spot .
Borussia Dortmund (expected 3–4–2–1 under Niko Kovač)
• GK: Gregor Kobel
• Defensive Trio: Niklas Süle, Waldemar Anton, Ramy Bensebaini
• Midfield Four: Julian Ryerson, Felix Nmecha, Pascal Groß, Daniel Svensson
• Attacking Trio: Julian Brandt, Karim Adeyemi, Serhou Guirassy leading the line
Note: Jobe Bellingham is suspended for this match, ruling out a direct face-off with brother Jude .
Importance of Match 60: Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund
This quarter-final clash is one of the most anticipated fixtures of the 2025 Club World Cup, loaded with storylines, legacy, and high stakes:
1. Champions League Final Rematch
• This game is a repeat of the 2024 UEFA Champions League Final, where Real Madrid defeated Borussia Dortmund.
• Dortmund will see this as a chance to avenge that high-profile loss on the global stage, while Madrid aim to reaffirm their dominance.
2. Global Prestige
• The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is the first expanded 32-team edition, seen as the “World Cup for clubs”.
• Winning this tournament carries global prestige, potentially even more valuable than traditional UEFA trophies for some clubs.
3. Financial and Commercial Value
• The tournament has over $1 billion in prize money and commercial rights.
• Reaching the semi-finals or final dramatically boosts revenue, brand value, and sponsorship reach, especially critical for Dortmund.
4. Managerial Stakes
• Xabi Alonso is still new in charge of Real Madrid; a Club World Cup title would immediately solidify his place among top-tier managers.
• Niko Kovač, recently appointed by Dortmund, has already made tactical improvements beating Real Madrid would be a massive statement for him.
5. Bellingham Brothers Storyline
• This could’ve been a direct face-off between Jude Bellingham (Real) and Jobe Bellingham (Dortmund) but Jobe is suspended.
• Still, the emotional narrative adds depth and attention to the match.
6. Player Momentum and Legacy
• For players like Guirassy, Güler, Bellingham, and Vini Jr., this is a major global stage to raise their profile.
• Young talents like Gonzalo García and Arda Güler can define their future with standout performances.
7. Tactical Benchmark
• The match is a litmus test for how elite European teams adapt to global opposition and tournament-style football with knockout pressure.
• Expect tactical discipline, high energy, and world-class quality.
Conclusion: Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund
Match 60 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund is more than just a quarter-final, it’s a battle of European heavyweights on a global stage. With Real Madrid seeking to extend their dominance under new boss Xabi Alonso, and Dortmund chasing redemption and glory with Niko Kovač at the helm, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The tactical duel, star-studded lineups, and emotional subplots (like the Bellingham brothers) all combine to make this a must-watch encounter. Both teams have the firepower and structure to win, but only one will move a step closer to Club World Cup immortality. Fans can expect a high-intensity, technically rich contest that reflects the evolution of modern football.
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