Borussia Dortmund won their group, which was one of the easiest on paper, without overdoing it. They drew 0-0 with Fluminense, won a thrilling match against Mamelodi Sundowns (3-4), and finally secured a narrow victory over the modest South Koreans of Ulsan, who were defeated 1-0 by a goal from Svensson. Against opponents who were not irresistible, perhaps a little more was expected, but it is likely that Niko Kovac’s team saved their ammunition for the knockout stages: even the quarter-finals seem well within reach of the Black and Yellows, who, if they qualify for the next round, will face either Real Madrid or Juventus.
First, however, they must overcome Monterrey, an opponent to be taken with a pinch of salt. The Mexicans were the surprise of Inter’s group, finishing second ahead of the more highly rated River Plate. Like Borussia, they are still unbeaten: they held the Nerazzurri to a draw in their opening game (1-1), avoided defeat against the Buenos Aires club on matchday two (0-0) and last Wednesday recorded their first win of the competition against Urawa Red Diamonds, who they thrashed 4-0. Coach Domenec Torrent, former assistant to Pep Guardiola, who took over just a few weeks ago (replacing the sacked Demichelis), could not have hoped for better. The Spanish coach seems to have immediately established a good rapport with the players, including captain Sergio Ramos, demonstrating that he has clear ideas and lifting a team that clearly needed a boost from an emotional standpoint.
Odds comparison
Borussia Dortmund’s victory is priced at 1.75 on Goldbet, Lottomatica, and Snai. A goal is priced at 1.60 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and 1.67 on Snai.
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The prediction
Monterrey boasts the best defense in the tournament: they have conceded only one goal, like PSG, Benfica, and Al-Hilal, and will try to slow down Borussia Dortmund’s attack, which has only shone against Mamelodi so far. In short, it should not be a walk in the park for the Black and Yellows, who have nevertheless improved significantly since Niko Kovac took the helm (14 wins in 23 games, with a 61% win rate) and are favorites to qualify. This time around, we could see a more eventful match, in which it cannot be ruled out that both teams will score.
Probable line-ups for Borussia Dortmund-Monterrey
BORUSSIA DORTMUND (3-4-2-1): Kobel; Ryerson, Anton, Bensebaini; Yan Couto, Gross, Nmecha, Svensson; Bellingham, Brandt; Guirassy.
MONTERREY (3-5-2): Andrada; Medina, Sergio Ramos, Olmedo; Chavez, Canales, Jorge Rodriguez, Oliver Torres, Arteaga; Ocampos, Berterame.