Real Madrid Discovers Their Club World Cup Quarterfinal Rival

Real Madrid secured their spot in the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals, setting up a repeat encounter from the 2024 Champions League final.

The Spanish giants began their knockout phase campaign in the Club World Cup with a narrow 1–0 triumph over Juventus. Gonzalo García netted his third strike in four appearances to propel Real Madrid beyond the Italian side and secure their quarterfinal berth.

This result continues Real Madrid's perfect run under Xabi Alonso across four fixtures. The La Liga second-place finishers struggled in their tournament opener, managing only a 1–1 stalemate with Al Hilal. However, Los Blancos have since claimed three straight wins against Pachuca, RB Salzburg and Juventus, allowing merely one goal during this period.

Real Madrid will aim to build on their momentum in the United States as they face a well-known adversary at MetLife Stadium.

Who Are Real Madrid Playing in the Club World Cup Quarterfinals?

Real Madrid will face Borussia Dortmund in the Club World Cup quarterfinals. This crucial encounter marks the third meeting between these clubs within just over twelve months.

The two teams have met 16 times previously in Champions League competition, with the Madrid-based club claiming victory in eight of those encounters. In their most recent meeting, Los Blancos overcame the German side 5–2 during the 2024–25 Champions League league phase.

The previous season saw Real Madrid overcome BVB at Wembley Stadium to claim their 15th Champions League crown. Alonso's starting lineup this summer will include new additions, notably Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen.

Dortmund will also field different personnel, but Jobe Bellingham won't get the opportunity to face his sibling Jude; the 19-year-old is suspended for one match due to yellow card accumulation.

Real Madrid and Dortmund are scheduled to meet on Saturday, July 5, at MetLife Stadium.