Relieved Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac 'sweating like I’ve just come out of a sauna' as Jobe Bellingham lauds 'good opposition' Mamelodi Sundowns after seven-goal thriller at 2025 Fifa Club World Cup

Mamelodi Sundowns surrendered an early lead to allow Borussia Dortmund to claw back and win 4-3 in a 2025 Fifa Club World Cup Group F tie at TQL Stadium on Saturday.

It was a seven-goal thriller in searing Cincinnati heat, which the German side had predicted they would struggle under.

But they managed to ride over the punishing weather conditions as coach Niko Kovac and Man of the Match Jobe Bellingham react to the match.

“I’m sweating like I’ve just come out of a sauna," said Kovac on DZAN as per the Borussia Dortmund website.

"It was tough going for both teams, but the opposition are used to it. We certainly didn’t give our best performance, but that wasn’t possible today.

"There were too many simple mistakes, and things definitely didn’t run smoothly. The important thing was that we won the game. Nothing else matters.”

“It was a tough game and an important win against a really good opposition," said Bellingham on DAZN.

"They can be proud of themselves, especially given the weather conditions. That’s something new for us, something we need to get used to.

"I’m glad we won, but there’s still a lot to improve, both for me personally and for the team.”

Saturday's result saw Sundowns drop to third in Group F with a point fewer than second-placed Borussia Dortmund.

It was the Brazilians' first defeat at this edition of the Club World Cup after opening their campaign with a 1-0 win over Ulsan HD.

Masandawana's chances of progressing to the knockouts are now complicated.

Sundowns now face group leader Fluminense, who have already qualified for the Last-16 with a game to spare.

That leaves one spot up for grabs in this pool, and Masandawana will now be pressed to beat their Brazilian opponents while praying for Ulsan HD to beat Borussia Dortmund.