Borussia Dortmund claimed a 4–3 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in a thrilling Group F clash at the FIFA Club World Cup in Cincinnati on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
Despite conceding early, the German giants showcased resilience and firepower to weather a dramatic comeback from the South African side.
Sundowns struck first in the 11th minute through Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who surged forward from midfield and finished clinically inside the box.
Dortmund responded swiftly as Felix Nmecha equalised just five minutes later with a smart effort from the edge of the area, and Serhou Guirassy put Dortmund ahead in the 33rd minute with a powerful header assisted by Julian Brandt.
On the verge of halftime, teenage forward Jobe Bellingham netted his first goal for Dortmund, capitalising on a goalkeeper’s parry to make it 3–1 at the break.
Early in the second half, an own goal from Khuliso Mudau after a cross from Daniel Svensson extended Dortmund’s lead to 4–1.
But Sundowns refused to back down. Iqraam Rayners pulled one back in the 62nd minute with a header off a free kick, and substitute Lebo Mothiba made it 4–3 in the 90th, turning the game into a tense finale.
Despite sustained pressure, Dortmund’s defence held firm, sealing a narrow yet crucial win that puts them atop Group F with four points, one ahead of Sundowns.
The match was played under scorching midday heat at TQL Stadium, where a crowd of 14,006 witnessed a true end-to-end spectacle.
The result keeps Dortmund on course for the knockout stages after a goalless draw with Fluminense in their opener, while Mamelodi Sundowns remain in contention following their group opener victory over Ulsan Hyundai.
Looking ahead, Dortmund will face Ulsan from South Korea on June 25, while Sundowns will aim to bounce back against Fluminense.
