Borussia Dortmund survived a late surge from Mamelodi Sundowns to clinch a pulsating 4-3 win, keeping their Club World Cup knockout hopes alive after a topsy-turvy clash in Cincinnati.
Under the scorching midday heat at TQL Stadium, it was the South African champions who struck first. Lucas Ribeiro stunned Dortmund’s backline with a surging solo run before slotting past Alexander Meyer in the 11th minute.
But Sundowns’ joy was short-lived. Five minutes later, a costly mistake from goalkeeper Ronwen Williams handed Felix Nmecha a simple equaliser after an ill-fated short pass out from the back.
Dortmund began to settle into their rhythm, and a slick exchange between Julian Brandt and Serhou Guirassy carved open the defence, with the striker powering home a thumping header to make it 2-1.
On the cusp of halftime, Jobe Bellingham pounced on a loose parry from Williams and calmly wrong-footed the keeper to extend the lead. The 18-year-old’s composed finish marked his second appearance with Dortmund’s senior squad in style.
The Germans struck again on the hour mark when Daniel Svensson’s cross deflected cruelly off Khuliso Mudau, wrong-footing Williams to push the score to 4-1.
Yet Sundowns refused to fade. Iqraam Rayners hit the woodwork, then nodded in the rebound from a Mokoena free-kick to reduce the deficit.
In the 90th minute, Lebo Mothiba added a third, punishing Dortmund for sloppy possession in their own half, but it wasn’t enough to complete the comeback.
Despite the late drama, Dortmund’s early dominance proved decisive. With four points from two games, they now sit top of Group F, edging one step closer to the last 16.
