With temperatures at TQL Stadium reaching 87°F (30.5°C), conditions proved too intense for the non-starting players to remain pitchside. The club made the decision to protect the substitutes from the scorching midday heat, allowing them to rejoin the bench later in the match once cooling measures were arranged.
The game itself was a thrilling seven-goal contest, as Borussia Dortmund edged Mamelodi Sundowns 4–3 in their Group F fixture on Friday, June 21, 2025.
11’ – Lucas Ribeiro Costa gave Sundowns an early lead with a spectacular solo effort.
16’ – Felix Nmecha equalised for Dortmund after capitalising on a goalkeeping error.
34’ – Serhou Guirassy made it 2–1, heading in from a Julian Brandt cross.
45’ – Jobe Bellingham, on his full debut, struck Dortmund’s third just before halftime.
59’ – Khuliso Mudau inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, putting Dortmund 4–1 up.
62’ – Iqraam Rayners responded with a header for Sundowns.
90’ – Lebo Mothiba added a third for the South African side, but Dortmund held on.
With the win, Dortmund climbed to the top of Group F with four points, moving ahead of Sundowns who remain on three.
Coach Niko Kovac acknowledged the challenging weather conditions post-match, warning that the stadium temperature felt even hotter than the official 32°C (90°F) reading. He stressed that such conditions posed a disadvantage for European teams unaccustomed to high humidity and heat.
Nonetheless, Dortmund’s victory ensures they remain in strong contention for a spot in the knockout stage, with their final group game set to determine their qualification status.
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