Real Madrid quarter-final just a bonus for overperforming Dortmund

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Soccer Football - FIFA Club World Cup - Round of 16 - Borussia Dortmund v CF Monterrey - Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. - July 1, 2025 Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac before the match REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

ATLANTA, Georgia - Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac said a date in the Club World Cup quarter-finals against Real Madrid was just a bonus for his overperforming team, who held off a second-half comeback from Monterrey to win 2-1 in the round of 16 on Tuesday.

Two goals from Serhou Guirassy put Dortmund well on top at halftime and Kovac was pleased with how hard they battled after their Mexican opponents stormed back in the second half.

WHY ITS IMPORTANT

Although Dortmund lost 2-0 to Real in the 2024 Champions League final, they have experienced something of a revival since Kovac took over from Nuri Sahin in February.

They earned a spot in next seasons Champions League with a victory over Kiel in their last match of the Bundesliga season and have continued to improve at the Club World Cup.

Kovac came out on top in May when he pitted his wits against new Real coach Xabi Alonso when the Spaniard was in charge at Bayer Leverkusen.

The Croatian might be downplaying their ambitions of going further but Real would be wise to take their challenge seriously, especially if they can replicate Tuesdays first-half performance.

KEY QUOTES

Dortmund coach Niko Kovac: We are happy. I