Monterrey, thanks to an outstanding first-half performance from Serhou Guirassy. The Guinean striker netted twice in the opening 45 minutes to give the German side a comfortable lead, which they managed to defend despite a strong second-half resurgence from the Mexican club. Former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos nearly forced extra time with a late header that narrowly missed the target, but Dortmund ultimately held firm.
The match took place in the comfort of Atlanta’s air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a welcome change for Dortmund after enduring grueling conditions during the group stages. Playing at a much quicker pace, the Bundesliga team quickly found their rhythm. In the 14th minute, Guirassy broke the deadlock with a clever one-two exchange with Karim Adeyemi before sliding the ball past the near post. Just ten minutes later, Guirassy struck again—his 37th goal of the season across all competitions—once again finishing off a well-timed pass from Adeyemi.
Though Monterrey's Jesús Corona nearly leveled the score with a cross that rattled the post, it wasn’t until early in the second half that they found the net. Germán Berterame reacted fastest to a deflection in the box, heading home to reduce the deficit. The goal reinvigorated Monterrey, who pushed hard for an equalizer, forcing Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel into several important saves. Berterame later had another goal disallowed for offside, a decision met with frustration from the crowd of over 31,000.
Guirassy had chances to seal his hat-trick but couldn't convert, and Dortmund's attack waned in the second half. Late in the match, Monterrey coach Domenec Torrent made a bold move by sending Ramos into an advanced role in search of a dramatic finish. Wearing the number 93 in tribute to his iconic stoppage-time goal for Real Madrid in the 2014 Champions League final, Ramos came close with a header in the final moments, but the ball drifted just wide.
One unfortunate subplot for Dortmund was the suspension of Jobe Bellingham, who picked up a yellow card for a rash tackle on Nelson Deossa. Having already been booked in the group stage, the accumulation means he will miss the quarterfinal tie against his brother Jude Bellingham's Real Madrid.
Dortmund now advance to a highly anticipated quarterfinal clash with Real Madrid, managed by Xabi Alonso, who has carried over his successful style from Bayer Leverkusen. Dortmund manager Niko Kovac praised his team’s performance and said the upcoming matchup is a major opportunity for both the club and German football as a whole.
ADD A COMMENT :