Sundowns impress but come up short against classy Dortmund at Club World Cup

The German giants, eight-time Bundesliga champions, now sit top of the group, but both teams remain in contention for the play-offs with one round of group matches left.

Sundowns made an early statement when Lucas Ribeiro marked his 50th appearance for the South African side with a composed 11th-minute finish, assisted by former Dortmund player Tashreeq Matthews.

But Dortmund levelled just five minutes later when Felix Nmecha capitalised on a misplaced pass from Sundowns keeper Ronwen Williams to make it 1-1.

Midway through the first half, Serhou Guirassy headed Dortmund in front after a midfield turnover, and just before the break, Jobe Bellingham - brother of former Dortmund star Jude - extended the lead to 3-1 with a sharp finish.

The South Africans were dealt a further blow on the hour mark when Khuliso Mudau inadvertently turned the ball into his own net to make it 4-1 to Dortmund.

Yet Sundowns refused to roll over. Iqraam Rayners pulled one back in the 63rd minute with a crisp finish, and substitute Lebo Mothiba struck in the dying moments to reduce the deficit to a single goal.

Despite the narrow margin at the final whistle, Dortmund's first-half dominance proved enough to seal all three points. The result leaves both sides with all to play for as the group stage reaches its climax. 

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