Kobel reveals plan to surprise Real Madrid in Club World Cup quarterfinals
Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel believes unity and grit could be the key to shocking tournament favorites Real Madrid in Saturday’s FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinal.
Dortmund’s Road to the Quarters
After a hard-fought 2-1 win over Monterrey at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Dortmund booked their ticket to the last eight. Kobel, a standout performer in that match, now turns his focus to a familiar foe: Real Madrid.
“They have an incredible team individually and collectively,” Kobel said. “We’ve played against them before sometimes well, sometimes not so well. We need to play as a team and give everything on the pitch. Then I believe we can beat them.”
History Favors Madrid
- Real Madrid defeated Dortmund 2-0 in the 2023/24 Champions League final
- Their most recent meeting ended 5-2 in Madrid’s favor, with Vinícius Júnior netting a hat-trick
Despite past setbacks, Kobel remains optimistic, emphasizing teamwork and resilience as Dortmund’s path to victory.
What’s at Stake
- Match: Saturday, July 5 at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
- Kickoff: 5 PM (Brasília time) / 4 PM ET
- Winner advances to face PSG or Bayern Munich in the semifinals
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Tactical Edge?
With Kylian Mbappé returning to Madrid’s lineup and Dortmund missing Jobe Bellingham due to suspension, the odds are stacked. But under Niko Kovac, Dortmund have shown flashes of brilliance and Kobel’s confidence could be contagious.
