Fluminense rue missed chances as Dortmund survive goalless scrap in New Jersey

Borussia Dortmund escaped with a point after being outplayed by Brazil’s Fluminense in a gritty 0-0 draw at MetLife Stadium in their opening 2025 FIFA Club World Cup clash on Tuesday, 17 June.

Despite enjoying more possession, the Bundesliga giants were second-best for much of the match as Fluminense pressed aggressively and carved out the better chances.

Dortmund, sluggish in attack, failed to register a single meaningful effort on target across the first 45 frustrating minutes.

Guirassy silenced as Dortmund’s attack falters

Striker Serhou Guirassy was effectively shackled by Fluminense’s defence, and manager Niko Kovač’s substitutions did little to spark life into his side.

One bright spot for Dortmund was the debut of new signing Jobe Bellingham, younger brother of Real Madrid star Jude, who came on as a 60th-minute substitute.

Kobel’s heroics deny Fluminense late winner

The game’s defining moment came in the 73rd minute when Fluminense’s Everaldo unleashed a fierce strike from the edge of the box, forcing a spectacular diving save from Gregor Kobel.

The rebound fell to Nonato, but the Dortmund keeper somehow scrambled to his feet to pull off a miraculous double stop, preserving his side’s clean sheet.

What’s next?

Dortmund must regroup quickly before facing South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in Cincinnati, while Fluminense return to MetLife Stadium on Saturday, 21 June, to take on South Korea’s Ulsan HD.

With both teams still hunting their first win in the tournament, the pressure is on to advance from the group stage.

Can Dortmund find their attacking rhythm, or will Fluminense’s flair finally deliver a breakthrough?