MATCH RECAP: Dortmund Edge Sundowns 4-3 in Seven-Goal Showdown

Borussia Dortmund survived a dramatic late comeback from Mamelodi Sundowns to win 4-3 in a pulsating Club World Cup Group F encounter at the TQL Stadium on Saturday, moving top of the group and edging closer to the knockout stages.

Jobe Bellingham marked his first start with a goal for Dortmund, following in the footsteps of his brother Jude. The English youngster netted the third for the German side in the first half after goals from Felix Nmecha and Serhou Guirassy had overturned an early Lucas Ribeiro strike for the South African champions.

Ribeiro gave Sundowns a dream start in the 11th minute with a stunning solo effort, surging from his own half and finishing coolly. But their lead was short-lived after a costly mistake by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams gifted Nmecha an easy equaliser just five minutes later.

Guirassy then put Dortmund ahead with a towering header from Julian Brandt’s cross, before Bellingham added a third with a well-taken finish after Williams parried the ball into his path.

Dortmund extended the lead to 4-1 early in the second half when Khuliso Mudau inadvertently turned a Daniel Svensson cross into his own net. But Sundowns, showing trademark resilience, fought back with goals from Iqraam Rayners, who reacted quickest after his initial header hit the post, and Lebo Mothiba in the 90th minute, setting up a tense finale.

Despite dominating possession (60%) and outshooting Dortmund 16 to 8, Sundowns couldn’t find the equaliser. Dortmund’s clinical edge, scoring four times from six shots on target, proved decisive.

Dortmund now sit atop Group F with four points from two games, followed by Sundowns on three. Fluminense and Ulsan HD, both on one point, face off later to complete the group’s second round of matches.

“It’s a really nice bonus to score,” said Bellingham post-match. “I’m glad we won, but there are still things to work on, for me and the team.”

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso praised his players’ effort despite the result: “The result is not what we wanted, but it was a hell of a match. I’m not happy, but very proud.”