Monterrey coach Domenec Torrent has issued a warning to his squad, emphasizing the significant challenge they face against Borussia Dortmund in the Club World Cup's last 16. The match is scheduled to take place in Atlanta on Monday.
Torrent's caution comes on the heels of Monterrey's decisive 4-0 victory over Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds at the Rose Bowl on Wednesday. This win secured them the second spot in Group E, trailing behind Inter Milan, and paved their way to the knockout stage.
Monterrey, a team with a rich history in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, having won it five times since 2011, is gearing up to celebrate its 80th anniversary on Saturday. Their journey in the Club World Cup has seen them draw against both Inter Milan and Argentina's River Plate, before finally clinching a win against Urawa Red Diamonds, which ultimately secured their place in the next round.
Torrent acknowledged the difficulty of the upcoming match, stating, "Our next game, we know it's very hard. They're another European team that has won a lot of things, a lot of prizes and tournaments and championships in Germany and in Europe." He is clearly aware of the pedigree and capabilities of Borussia Dortmund, a team renowned for its success both domestically and on the European stage.
Inter Milan's coach, Cristian Chivu, also praised his team's adaptability and commitment after their 2-0 victory against River Plate in a highly charged group match, which also secured their spot in the last 16 of the Club World Cup.
The Club World Cup is shaping up to be an exciting competition, with teams from different continents vying for the coveted title. Monterrey's clash against Borussia Dortmund is expected to be a highlight, given the contrasting styles and strengths of the two teams. Torrent's emphasis on the challenge ahead underscores the level of competition and the need for his team to be at their best to overcome the German giants.