⚽ A thrilling clash in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 saw Borussia Dortmund edge past Fluminense 2-1 in a semi-final showdown at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
The result sends the Bundesliga side into the final, where they’ll look to lift the Club World Cup trophy for the first time in club history.
In this article, we’ll break down every angle of this match:first-half and second-half analysis, standout moments, tactical takeaways, player ratings, and what this win means for Dortmund’s legacy and the future of South American football.
Match Summary
| Detail | Match Info |
|---|---|
| 📍 Venue | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey (USA) |
| 🗓️ Date | June 16, 2025 |
| 🕒 Kickoff Time | 12:30 PM ET (09:30 AM PT) |
| 🔚 Full-time Score | Fluminense 1–2 Borussia Dortmund |
| ⚽ Goals | Arias (Flu) 12’, Adeyemi (Dort) 31’, Reus (Dort) 66’ |
First-Half Breakdown
The match began with Fluminense taking early control. Jhon Arias struck in the 12th minute with a composed finish after a fluid team move, catching the Dortmund backline off guard.
However, Dortmund responded with poise. In the 31st minute, Karim Adeyemi raced down the left, cut inside, and drilled a low shot into the far corner — classic Adeyemi pace and precision.
The first half ended level at 1-1, but Dortmund had started to wrestle control of midfield thanks to the composure of Emre Can and the creative influence of Julian Brandt.
Second-Half Storyline
The second 45 minutes saw a shift in momentum. Dortmund’s press forced Fluminense into mistakes, and the Brazilian side began to look fatigued under the New Jersey heat.
The defining moment came in the 66th minute. A quick one-two between Brandt and Reus opened up space at the top of the box, and the Dortmund captain curled a beauty past Fluminense’s keeper — a goal worthy of the stage.
After that, Edin Terzić’s side managed the tempo smartly, using substitutions to kill Fluminense’s rhythm and see out the win.
Tactical Analysis
| Team | Formation | Key Tactical Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fluminense | 4-2-3-1 | Looked to dominate possession, overloaded left flank, but lacked cutting edge late. |
| Dortmund | 4-3-3 | Controlled tempo, transitioned quickly, and pressed smartly in final 30 minutes. |
Dortmund’s Winning Edge:
- Brandt and Reus combined for over 6 key passes.
- Fullbacks provided width, especially Ryerson on the right.
- Ball recovery rate improved by 27% after halftime.
Player Ratings
Borussia Dortmund
- Gregor Kobel (GK) – 7.5: Solid saves, quick off the line.
- Mats Hummels – 7.0: Veteran composure.
- Nico Schlotterbeck – 7.3: Key blocks and interceptions.
- Julian Ryerson – 7.8: Threat on the overlap.
- Emre Can – 8.0: Controlled the midfield.
- Julian Brandt – 8.5 ⭐: 1 assist, dictated play.
- Marco Reus – 8.7: Match-winning goal and leadership.
- Karim Adeyemi – 8.2: Electric down the wing.
Fluminense
- Fábio (GK) – 6.5: Couldn’t do much about the goals.
- Marcelo – 6.8: Strong early, faded late.
- Jhon Arias – 7.6: Bright spark, great goal.
- Germán Cano – 6.2: Isolated, few touches in key areas.
Atmosphere & Crowd Vibes
A sold-out MetLife crowd delivered the energy you expect from a world-class tournament. Yellow and black dominated the stands, with Dortmund fans traveling in numbers. The chants echoed long after the final whistle — a sign that this match was more than just a semi-final, it was a statement.
What This Win Means
For Dortmund, it’s a monumental moment. They now await either Manchester City or Al Ahly in the final — but this win showed they can grind out results even when not at their fluid best.
For Fluminense, the journey ends in disappointment, but with dignity. They proved that South American clubs can still hang with Europe’s elite — they just need a bit more depth and finishing punch.
My Personal Fan Take 🎙️
As someone who’s followed Dortmund since their Klopp-era days, watching Reus step up yet again was emotional. He’s the soul of this team — and this goal, on this stage, just felt like a Hollywood script.
The way Terzić has molded this squad to be resilient, focused, and intelligent is something special. And for all the talk about City or Chelsea dominating this tournament — don’t sleep on BVB.
That final? I’m clearing my schedule already. 🖤💛
FAQs
Who scored in the Fluminense vs Dortmund match?
- Jhon Arias (Fluminense) in the 12th minute, Karim Adeyemi and Marco Reus (Dortmund) in the 31st and 66th minutes respectively.
Where was the match played?
- The match took place at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA.
What’s next for Dortmund?
- Dortmund advances to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final and awaits the winner of Manchester City vs Al Ahly.
Was Marco Reus named Man of the Match?
- While unofficial, Reus’ leadership and winning goal make him the clear standout performer.
