Flaws Persist as Borussia Dortmund Survive Scare to Edge Sundowns in 7-Goal Thriller

Borussia Dortmund claimed their first win at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, edging past South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns 4–3 in a rollercoaster clash to temporarily top Group F. But despite the three points, defensive questions continue to loom over Niko Kovač’s side.

Few outside of Africa had heard much about Mamelodi Sundowns before this tournament — but they’ve quickly become one of the stories of the group stage. After upsetting Ulsan Hyundai in their opener, the South African outfit pushed Bundesliga giants Dortmund to the brink in a pulsating contest.

The game began in chaotic fashion. On 11 minutes, Ribeiro danced past two defenders in midfield and led a rapid three-man counterattack, finishing calmly to give Sundowns a shock lead.

It didn’t last long. Just five minutes later, Dortmund capitalised on a major error from goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who handed the ball straight to Felix Nmecha for a simple tap-in.

Sundowns impressed with their aggressive pressing — regaining possession just 18 seconds after each turnover — and even created more moments of pressure. But quality told before half-time. Julian Brandt’s cross from the right was met by Serhou Guirassy, who headed home to make it 2–1. Then, on the stroke of half-time, another mistake from Williams gifted Jude Bellingham’s brother, Jobe, his first goal in Dortmund colours.

At 3–1, the game seemed all but done. That feeling grew stronger when Sundowns' Khuliso Mudau accidentally deflected a cross into his own net on 59 minutes, extending Dortmund’s lead to 4–1.

But the defensive frailties that haunted Dortmund earlier this year resurfaced. Sundowns refused to give in and struck twice more before full-time, forcing Kovač to endure a nervy finish. Time ultimately ran out for the South African champions, but not before making a clear statement of their attacking threat — and exposing Dortmund's vulnerabilities.

Borussia Dortmund’s final group stage match will be against South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai on 25 June. Mamelodi Sundowns will face Fluminense on the same day, with both matches carrying knockout round implications.

2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Mamelodi Sundowns - Borussia D 3:4 (1:3)
Goals: Ribeiro, 11 (1:0); Nmecha F., 16 (1:1); Guirassy, 34 (1:2); Bellingham Jo., 45 (1:3); Mudau, 59 (own goal) (1:4); Rayners, 62 (2:4); Mothiba, 90 (3:4)

Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams Ro.; Kekana; Cupido; Mudau; Lunga; Mokoena (Sales, 70); Ribeiro (Morena, 70); Allende; Matthews (Adams J., 70); Zwane (Lethlaku, 86); Rayners (Mothiba, 77)
Bench: Onyango Denis; Khoza; Lebusa; Modiba; Mvala; Aubaas; Maema; Mkhulise; Shalulile
Yellow Cards: Matthews 66; Allende 95

Borussia D: Kobel; Couto; Anton; Bensebaini; Svensson D.; Süle (Ryerson, 83); Nmecha F. (Chukwuemeka C., 63); Brandt (Sabitzer, 63); Groß; Guirassy (Adeyemi K., 92); Bellingham Jo. (Beier M., 83)
Bench: Meyer A.; Мане Ф.; Coulibaly So.; Reyna G.; Bynoe-Gittens; Azhil; Duranville; Campbell C.
Yellow Cards: Chukwuemeka C. 64; Beier M. 85