Sundowns moved to the top of Group F with a 1–0 victory over Ulsan HD, and now stand just one win away from securing a historic place in the last 16.
The win over Ulsan was narrow on paper but more dominant in execution. Iqraam Rayners, who scored the only goal, had two more strikes ruled out, and Miguel Cardoso's side controlled 68 percent of possession throughout. It was a composed performance that offered promise beyond the scoreline.
Sundowns fans were also treated to the long-awaited return of club icon Themba Zwane, who reclaimed the captain's armband in his first start after a nine-month injury layoff. Keanu Cupido, a surprise inclusion at centre-back, impressed with a crucial late intervention to preserve the clean sheet.
Despite the positives, there were familiar concerns. The Brazilians' inability to finish off chances and lapses in defensive concentration - reminiscent of their CAF Champions League final defeat to Pyramids FC - meant they had to work hard to see out the result. Against Dortmund, such margins for error will not exist.
Niko Kovac's side comes into the match under scrutiny following a goalless draw with Fluminense. The German outfit showed flashes of quality but lacked rhythm and sharpness in the final third. With Nico Schlotterbeck and Emre Can ruled out through injury, Dortmund are not at full strength. However, Jobe Bellingham made his debut off the bench in their opener and could feature again, adding energy and dynamism to midfield.
For Tashreeq Matthews, the meeting with Dortmund carries extra significance. The winger spent part of his early career in the German club's system and will hope to make an impact if called upon from the bench. Though he has shown intelligent movement and energy, his final touch has been lacking in recent appearances.
Lebo Mothiba also remains an option off the bench for Cardoso but is unlikely to displace Rayners, who has now scored in consecutive matches and is leading the line with confidence.
A win for Sundowns would mark one of the most significant victories in the club's history, placing them firmly on the global stage and into the Club World Cup's knockout rounds. While Dortmund will start as favourites, Sundowns have shown they can compete - and if they can match tactical discipline with clinical finishing, an upset cannot be ruled out.
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