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The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has already delivered drama, goals, and high-stakes competition—and it’s about to go up another gear. Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund is not just a quarter-final; it’s a sequel to one of the most memorable matches of the past year. These two European powerhouses, who contested the 2024 UEFA Champions League Final, are once again poised for battle—this time on global soil.
This Club World Cup quarter-final carries immense significance. A spot in the semi-finals is on the line, and both clubs are out to prove their international dominance. Let’s dive into the key storylines, player insights, betting predictions, and more for this heavyweight clash.
Match Logistics: Date, Time, Venue & How to Watch
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Date: Saturday, 5 July 2025
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Kick-off Times:
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4:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM PT (USA)
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9:00 PM (UK)
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20:00 GMT
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Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
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Known for hosting NFL’s New York Jets and Giants, MetLife offers a world-class atmosphere for global football showdowns.
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How to Watch
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United Kingdom: Stream all Club World Cup matches free on DAZN (registration required).
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Worldwide: Bet365 provides live streaming for registered users with a minimum £5 deposit.
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MENA Region: Al Jazeera Sport will offer full coverage starting at 6 PM local time (22:00 GMT).
The Journey to the Quarter-Finals: Form and Progression
Real Madrid: Unbeaten, Unrelenting
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Group H Champions:
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Drew 1-1 with Al-Hilal (conceded via penalty)
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Defeated Pachuca 3-1
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Dominated Red Bull Salzburg 3-0
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Round of 16:
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Edged past Juventus 1-0 thanks to a Gonzalo Garcia goal assisted by Trent Alexander-Arnold.
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Overall Outlook:
Madrid remain undefeated in four games, and under the stewardship of Xabi Alonso, they’re gaining rhythm and confidence by the minute.
Borussia Dortmund: A Gritty Grind to Glory
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Group F Winners:
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Drew 0-0 vs. Fluminense
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Defeated Mamelodi Sundowns 4-3 in a thriller
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Beat Ulsan HD 1-0 in a tight encounter
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Round of 16:
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Overcame Monterrey 2-1 with a quick brace from Serhou Guirassy
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Current State:
Dortmund have shown determination and grit, but fatigue and a step-up in quality against Madrid might test their limits.
Key Players to Watch: Firepower and Flair
Real Madrid’s Star Trio
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Kylian Mbappé
Returning from illness, Mbappé made his debut off the bench vs. Juventus. He’s likely to start this quarter-final, bringing speed, flair, and clinical finishing. -
Vinícius Júnior
A proven nemesis for Dortmund, Vinícius netted three times in their last two meetings, including a Champions League final goal. Already on the scoresheet this tournament, he remains Real’s most lethal weapon. -
Federico Valverde
A model of consistency, Valverde has had at least one shot on target in every game and leads the squad with eight on-target efforts. He’s both an engine and a goal threat.
Borussia Dortmund’s Attacking Hope
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Serhou Guirassy
With 13 goals in 14 Champions League matches, Guirassy has been on fire. He averages over 4 shots per game in this tournament and is Dortmund’s go-to man for goals. -
Jobe Bellingham (Suspended)
A blow for Dortmund, the young midfielder is suspended due to yellow card accumulation. His absence also robs fans of a brotherly duel with Jude Bellingham.
Market Value Analysis: Stars Worth Watching
Understanding the market value of the two teams and their players adds perspective to this quarter-final clash.
Team Market Values (via Transfermarkt):
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Real Madrid:
Approx. €1.12 billion-
Anchored by the likes of Mbappé (€180M), Bellingham (€150M), and Vinícius Júnior (€150M)
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Borussia Dortmund:
Approx. €470 million-
Guirassy leads the line (€40M), followed by Adeyemi (€35M) and Mats Hummels (€10M)
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Market Value of Key Players:
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Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid): €180 million
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Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid): €150 million
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Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): €150 million
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Serhou Guirassy (Dortmund): €40 million
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Marcel Sabitzer (Dortmund): €25 million
Head-to-Head: Rivalry Renewed
This is the 17th meeting between the two clubs:
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Wins: Real Madrid 8 | Dortmund 3 | Draws 5
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Last 5 Matches: 4 wins for Madrid, 1 draw
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Most Recent Match: 2-0 win for Madrid in the 2024 Champions League Final
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Goals: Dani Carvajal, Vinícius Júnior
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Fun Fact: Dortmund hasn't beaten Real Madrid since 2014—a decade-long drought they’re desperate to end.
Expert Betting Predictions & Odds Analysis
Here are the latest odds and value picks for punters and fans:
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Real Madrid to Win (90 mins): @ 8/13 (Bet365)
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Real Madrid -1 Handicap: @ 6/4 (Bet365)
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Vinícius Júnior to Score Anytime: @ 13/10 (Bet365)
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Serhou Guirassy Over 2.5 Shots: @ 11/10 (Betway)
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Federico Valverde to Score Anytime: @ 4/1 (Sky Bet)
FanDuel Moneyline Odds:
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Real Madrid: +120
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Dortmund: +210
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Draw: +260
Over/Under Total Goals:
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Over 3.5 Goals: +122
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Under 3.5 Goals: -172
Special Pick:
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Dortmund Under 0.5 Goals: +190 (FanDuel) – based on Madrid’s solid defence.
Disclaimer: Odds are subject to change. Betting should be done responsibly (18+).
Managerial Insights: Mind Games and Motivation
Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid):
"We had to work hard against Juventus, but the team showed professionalism and control. We’re getting stronger with every match."
Niko Kovač (Borussia Dortmund):
"Facing Alonso is always a tactical battle. His system at Real is an upgrade of what he built in Leverkusen. But if we give it our all, we can compete for 90 minutes."
Predicted Starting XIs
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1):
Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Tchouaméni, Huijsen; Valverde, Bellingham; Güler, Mbappé, Junior; Garcia
Borussia Dortmund (4-3-3):
Kobel; Ryerson, Süle, Anton, Bensebaini; Svensson, Nmecha, Groß; Sabitzer, Guirassy, Adeyemi
Conclusion: Who Will Rise to the Occasion?
This is more than just a rematch. Real Madrid, the world’s most decorated club, enters with pedigree, form, and squad depth. Borussia Dortmund, meanwhile, brings hunger, underdog mentality, and a sense of destiny.
Madrid’s star power gives them the upper hand, but Dortmund’s resilience and firepower—especially through Serhou Guirassy—could make this a battle to the last whistle.
With global attention on MetLife Stadium, football fans are in for an electric night where European giants collide on the world stage.