Real Madrid booked their place in the quarterfinals of the FIFA Club World Cup thanks to a narrow 1-0 victory over Juventus.
It was a gritty game for Los Blancos, with Gonzalo Garcia’s 54th minute header becoming the only difference between the two sides.
With Real Madrid’s win, many expected Los Blancos to take on Monterrey in the quarterfinal as it is now home to defensive legend Sergio Ramos.
Ramos himself was reportedly hoping to face his former club in the quarterfinals.
Unfortunately, Monterrey and Ramos’ hopes of facing Real Madrid in the quarterfinals are now dead in the water following the club’s defeat in the Round of 16 stage.
The Mexican outfit lost to Borussia Dortmund 2-1, with two goals from Serhou Guirassy making a huge difference, despite German Berterame’s early second half goal.
Thanks to the win, Dortmund have also booked their place in the quarterfinals, where they will take on Real Madrid.
This will be a rematch of the 2023/24 campaign’s UEFA Champions League final, where Real Madrid were able to clinch their 15th UCL title.
Dortmund, though, are heading into this game on the back of stellar form, having managed a tremendous turnaround during the backend of last season.
Even in the Club World Cup, the Black and Yellows have gone from strength to strength after a dismal performance against Fluminense in the opening game.
Not too long ago, Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen were humbled by Dortmund in a 4-2 scoreline. It now remains to be seen whether or not the Spanish tactician can exact revenge on the Black and Yellows.