📍 TQL Stadium, Cincinnati | 🗓 June 25, 2025
🏆 FIFA Club World Cup 2025 – Group F
🟡 Match Summary: BVB 1-0 Ulsan Hyundai
Borussia Dortmund clinched a narrow 1-0 victory over South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai, courtesy of a composed finish by Daniel Svensson, but the scoreline did little justice to the German side’s dominance.
With 28 shots to Ulsan’s 3, the Bundesliga side controlled the tempo throughout and comfortably secured top spot in Group F.
⚽ Key Moment – 36’ Svensson Strikes
A misplaced back pass from Ulsan’s defensive third gifted possession to Jobe Bellingham, who immediately punished the mistake.
- 🟡 Bellingham’s assist: Darted into space and curled a sharp low cross into the area.
- ⚽ Svensson’s finish: Calm first-time shot from just outside the six-yard box, beating keeper Jo Hyeon-woo low to his left.
“We probably should’ve had three or four,” said Svensson post-match. “But a win is a win. We’re happy with the performance.”
🔥 Stat Attack: Dortmund’s Domination
| Metric | Dortmund | Ulsan |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 28 | 3 |
| Shots on Target | 9 | 1 |
| Possession | 68% | 32% |
| Pass Accuracy | 90% | 78% |
| Corners | 11 | 0 |
| Saves (by Jo Hyeon-woo) | 8 | — |
Despite the heat index nearing 33°C, Dortmund pressed relentlessly, particularly down the flanks via Julian Ryerson and Karim Adeyemi.
🧠 Tactical Take
🟡 Dortmund (4-2-3-1):
- Control through midfield: Özcan and Nmecha dictated play with quick distribution.
- High full-back involvement: Ryerson and Wolf frequently overlapped to stretch Ulsan.
- Jobe Bellingham played a key creative role, linking midfield and attack.
🔵 Ulsan Hyundai (4-4-2):
- Set up defensively with two tight banks, but lacked transition threat.
- Too passive in pressing, allowing Dortmund to dictate the rhythm.
- Isolated striker Martin Ádám barely had a touch.
🌟 Notable Moments
- 🧤 78’ – Gio Reyna Returns: The American midfielder made his tournament debut to loud applause, prioritizing Club World Cup duty over the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
- 🧊 City heat alert: Temperatures soared in Cincinnati, but nearly 8,200 fans still attended, including US Vice President JD Vance, watching from the VIP box.
🧮 Group F Final Standings:
| Position | Club | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dortmund | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 7 |
| 2 | Fluminense | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 5 |
| 3 | Mamelodi Sundowns | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 2 |
| 4 | Ulsan Hyundai | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 1 |
🗓️ Next Fixture:
⚔️ Borussia Dortmund vs Monterrey
📍 Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
🗓️ Tuesday, July 1, 2025
This Round of 16 clash will be Dortmund’s first true test, against a free-scoring Monterrey side fresh off a 4-0 dismantling of Urawa.
🧠 Final Word
Borussia Dortmund looked sharp, professional, and technically superior — though wasteful at times. Svensson’s winner was enough to settle it, but they’ll need to convert more chances against tougher opponents like Monterrey.
“We’re growing into this tournament,” said manager Edin Terzić. “Now the real journey begins.”
