The FIFA Club World Cup has now solidified its quarter-final line-up, following the conclusion of a captivating Round of 16. The final matches saw Borussia Dortmund secure their passage to the last eight by defeating Mexican side Monterrey, while Real Madrid edged out Italian giants Juventus, setting the stage for a series of high-stakes encounters.
In the late fixture, Borussia Dortmund emerged victorious against Monterrey with a 2-1 scoreline. Despite the Mexican club dominating possession with 59% and registering 14 shots, seven of which were on target, they ultimately fell short. Dortmund, in contrast, were clinical, converting three of their six shots on target. Serhou Guirassy was the hero for the German side, netting both goals in the 14th and 24th minutes. Monterrey's German Berterame pulled one back in the 48th minute, but it wasn't enough to prevent their exit.
Earlier, Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Juventus. Gonzalo García's solitary goal proved decisive, sending Xabi Alonso's side into the quarter-finals. The match was a lively affair, with both teams testing the opposition's defence. Real Madrid enjoyed more possession (58%) and created more chances, registering 11 shots on target from 22 attempts, compared to Juventus's two shots on target from six.
These results complete the quarter-final bracket, adding to the already confirmed matchups from the earlier Round of 16 games. Other teams to have progressed include Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal, who dramatically overcame Manchester City in a 4-3 thriller, and Brazil's Fluminense, who defeated Inter Milan 2-0. German champions Bayern Munich also advanced, beating Flamengo 4-2.
The quarter-final stage is now poised to deliver some truly blockbuster contests. One of the most anticipated clashes is set for July 5, when Paris Saint-Germain will go head-to-head with Bayern Munich. Real Madrid's victory means they will now face Borussia Dortmund in another enticing encounter. The other quarter-final matchups will see Fluminense take on Al Hilal, and Chelsea face Palmeiras.
The stage is set for an exhilarating series of matches as these eight elite clubs vie for a spot in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup.
FIFA Club World Cup Quarter-Final Fixtures:
Here is the full schedule for the upcoming quarter-final matches:
July 4: Fluminense vs Al Hilal (Camping World Stadium, Orlando)
July 5: Palmeiras vs Chelsea (Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia)
July 5: Paris Saint-Germain vs Bayern Munich (Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta)
July 5: Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund (MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey)
