BVB before a decisive duel: defiant reaction against underdog Mamelodi?

BVB before a decisive duel: defiant reaction against underdog Mamelodi?

On June 21, 2025, the time has finally come: Borussia Dortmund (BVB) faces a decisive game in the Club World Cup. After a disappointing start in which the black and yellow only managed a 0-0 draw against Fluminense, coach Niko Kovac's team will go into the duel with Mamelodi Sundowns as clear favorites. But the South African team has the potential to cause a surprise.

In the first group game, Dortmund showed an unimaginative performance and had to deal with a passive style of play against Fluminense. “Better chances for Fluminense,” according to the analysis of numerous viewers and experts. The expectations of BVB are now enormous, and Kovac is hoping for a defiant reaction from his team. The betting community also sees it that way: The odds for a BVB win are a maximum of 1.31, while the Sundowns are considered a clear underdog at 9.50 and a draw is listed at 6.00. Wettbasis reports that ...

The strength of Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns won their first game in the group against Ulsan HD 1-0 and thus set a first exclamation mark. With eight championship titles in a row in the domestic league and a strong defense that only conceded 13 goals in 28 league games, the team shows impressive football. The club, also known as “the Brazilians”, is considered one of the favorites in the South African league and has great ambitions on the international stage. Despite their weaknesses in the CAF Champions League, where they recently lost the final against Pyramids from Egypt, they show a high competitive spirit thanks to their playing style and hard training. Kicker notes that...

Under coach Miguel Cardoso, who took over the reins in December 2024, the team has stabilized defensively and is also showing more and more discipline on set pieces. The key players include Lucas Ribeiro, who was the top scorer in the South African league with 16 goals, and captain Themba Zwane, who is showing excellent performances. The nominated Lev Yashin Award winner Ronwen Williams in goal also brings a lot of experience. The New York Times highlights that...

The big encounter

There is optimism in the Sundowns camp while Dortmund desperately need a win to stay in the group. With well-known players and a strong squad, the Sundowns are trying not only to inspire the spectators, but also to surprise their opponents. The attendance figures for the two teams' games already reflect the discrepancy: around 35,000 fans saw BVB in the first game, while Mamelodi recorded fewer than 4,000 spectators for their match against Ulsan.

The exciting question remains whether Borussia Dortmund can recover from the poor performance of the last game and whether Sundowns will continue to cause a sensation. The duel will be a real highlight of the Club World Cup for the fans, as it promises not only footballing passion, but also full of emotions. All eyes will be on the game when it's Dortmund vs Mamelodi!