Serhou Guirassy’s brace ends Sergio Ramos, Monterrey’s Club World Cup journey, sends Borussia Dortmund to quarterfinals

Serhou Guirassy struck twice early to lead Borussia Dortmund past Monterrey in a 2-1 win, ending the Mexican club’s Club World Cup run in the Round of 16. Despite high hopes and a strong group stage showing, Sergio Ramos and company couldn’t overcome the Bundesliga side’s firepower.

Much like Inter Miami, who were bounced by PSG, Monterrey impressed early but ultimately fell short against elite European opposition, a reminder of the growing gap between clubs from North America and Europe.

Borussia Dortmund set the tone early, dominating from the opening whistle and taking a commanding 2-0 lead into halftime, thanks to a 10-minute brace from striker Guirassy. The first goal came in the 14th minute after a well-worked team play that the Guinean forward calmly slotted past Esteban Andrada. The second came on the 24th minute, following a defensive mistake by Rayados that the striker pounced on, firing a low shot that the Argentine goalkeeper could have done better with. The match went into the break with Dortmund firmly in control.

Just when the match seemed wrapped up for Niko Kovač’s side, Monterrey pulled one back with a well-placed header from Germán Berterame - one of Monterrey’s standout players in the tournament - marking his third goal of the competition.

The heartbreaking moment of the night came in the 64th minute, with Monterrey giving their all on the field. Berterame broke free one-on-one against goalkeeper Gregor Kobel and finished to score what would have been the 2-2 equalizer for the Mexican side. However, the goal was ultimately ruled offside. Despite the disappointment, the Rayados’ fans erupted with emotion at the moment, and Monterrey continued to push forward in attack in the following minutes. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough as Dortmund would hold on to win.

BVB will now look forward to a quarterfinal matchup with a star-studded Real Madrid side on July 5 at MetLife Stadium. Rayados are out of the Club World Cup after putting on a great performance in the tournament, especially after a strong group stage where many had counted them out from the start. Domenec Torrent’s team fought until the very end against Borussia Dortmund, but there is a huge gap between North American and European clubs. Monterrey represented Liga MX with pride, but they had an opportunity to make an even bigger statement.

Guirassy leads a standout group of players with three or more goals in the Club World Cup. The list also includes Berterame, Ángel Di María, Erling Haaland, Gonzalo García, Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala, Kenan Yildiz, Marcos Leonardo, Michael Olise, Pedro Neto, Phil Foden, and Wessam Abou Ali. Di Maria leads the competition with four goals, though his Benfica were eliminated by Chelsea in the Round of 16.

Serhou Guirassy was the MVP of the match thanks to his brace against Rayados at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

He was clinical in counterattacks, and his pace could pose a problem against Los Blancos this weekend.

Sergio Canales didn’t have the Club World Cup performance everyone expected. Rayados looked most dangerous when the Spanish player wasn’t involved in the play. At times, he seemed slow and out of sync and didn’t have a good tournament overall. In the previous match against Urawa, which he missed due to injury, Monterrey looked quicker down the flanks. Today, once again, with the former Real Madrid player back on the field, the team lacked speed. Throughout the tournament, he looked sluggish, and today against Borussia Dortmund, he was ineffective.

Borussia Dortmund will face their toughest test yet in the Club World Cup this Saturday, when they take on Real Madrid for a spot in the semifinals at MetLife Stadium in New York. They will be without Jobe Bellingham due to yellow card accumulation, meaning he will miss a chance to go against his star brother, Jude.

Meanwhile, Rayados will return to Mexico to begin preparations for the Apertura 2025, as they kick off their campaign on July 13 against Pachuca in Week 1.