Borussia Dortmund v Monterrey: Line-ups, stats and preview

Preview for Borussia Dortmund v Monterrey

Borussia Dortmund will hope to break down a Monterrey defence marshalled expertly by Sergio Ramos when they face off in the Club World Cup quarter-finals tomorrow.

The German side have impressed in the United States, albeit in a relatively straightforward group that also contained Fluminense, Mamelodi Sundowns and Ulsan.

Niko Kovac’s side gained seven points from those fixtures as they eased into the last eight and a clash with the Mexican side.

Monterrey are also unbeaten, thanks largely to a defensive record that has seen them keep two clean sheets.

Former Spain international Ramos is now 39 but continues to impress in his usual combative manner.

Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl is aware of Ramos’ ability, as well as his tendency to wind up the opposition, and says his players are ready.

Kehl told the club’s official website: “I played against Ramos a few times. In the team, you always want such a player very much, because he embodies a lot. Playing against him is sometimes uncomfortable and he will of course lead this team a little far with his winning mentality. But we are prepared for that.

“Everyone in the team knows him, but we have also dealt with other players from this team, because this team does not only consist of Sergio Ramos. We know where they have their weaknesses and where we can hurt them.”

Monterrey have flown under the radar so far but Kehl says they should not be underestimated in Atlanta.

He added: “We worked hard through the group stage. They were not easy games, and Monterrey will certainly not be an easy opponent either. But we are looking forward to a different atmosphere in Atlanta, a different time, a special stadium and certainly a lot of emotion and passion around it against a team that is very, very good.

“It is a team that defines itself mainly by intensity, duels, tackles, which has not yet lost a game in this tournament and has only conceded one goal. We are really looking forward to it. Of course, we hope to get one round further. For that we will have to stretch ourselves properly.

“I believe that we have developed in the games as a whole, and have also improved. But on Tuesday evening we need a real performance increase, because Monterrey will be hot. For them it’s a very special game against us.

“Under the framework conditions – the stadium will be cooled, the lawn will hopefully be very good – I expect us to improve again. We have to play a really good game with and against the ball. But above all, we must show the right attitude, because that will be decisive.”