Borussia Dortmund were held to a 0-0 draw by Brazil’s Fluminense on Tuesday in their opening Group F match at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, as South American teams continued their unbeaten run in the competition.
The match, played at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford near New York City, saw Fluminense dominate large parts of the contest and create the clearer chances.
Dortmund’s goalkeeper Gregor Kobel was instrumental in keeping the scoreline level, first denying Jhon Arias in the first half and later producing key saves to stop efforts from Matheus Martinelli and Everaldo.
Fluminense, led by 40-year-old captain Thiago Silva, the former PSG and Chelsea defender consistently threatened on the counterattack. Midway through the second half, Agustin Canobbio missed a golden opportunity when he fired straight at Kobel after a swift break.
“It was a tough match, as we expected,” Dortmund coach Niko Kovac said in his post-match interview with DAZN. “Fluminense are a quality, possession-based side. We struggled in the first half, improved in the second, but overall, it’s a lucky point for us.”
Fluminense earned their spot in the tournament by winning the 2023 Copa Libertadores and showed they can compete with Europe’s elite, Dortmund were UEFA Champions League finalists just last year.
Brazilian clubs have made a strong impression in the tournament so far. Flamengo defeated Tunisia’s Esperance 2-0 on Monday and will face Chelsea next. Palmeiras drew 0-0 with Porto, while Botafogo edged MLS side Seattle Sounders 2-1 on Sunday.
Dortmund introduced teenage English midfielder Jobe Bellingham, https ho is recently signed from Sunderland off the bench for his debut, but the Bundesliga side struggled to create clear chances, with their best effort a late long-range strike from Niklas Süle.
Coach Kovac also pointed to tough conditions. “The pitch wasn’t ideal and the humidity made things more difficult, especially for us. The Brazilians handled it better. It was a demanding game, but we’ll take the point.”
Dortmund will aim to secure their first win when they face South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in their next match.
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