'We can compete with anyone' - Sergio Canales says Monterrey are confident ahead of Club World Cup clash with Dortmund

CF Monterrey v FC Internazionale Milano: Group E - FIFA Club World Cup 2025

The Spanish midfielder spoke Monday following Rayados’ training session in Atlanta

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WHAT HAPPENED?

Sergio Canales, one of Monterrey’s key leaders, spoke ahead of their Round of 16 showdown against Borussia Dortmund in the Club World Cup. The former Real Madrid and Real Betis midfielder addressed the mindset needed for the showdown in Atlanta.

“Our confidence comes from trusting what we’ve been building. As I’ve said before, in our group stage matches we proved we could compete with anyone, and we all believe in that. We need to go in calm, focused, and with the understanding that the small details will determine whether we progress or not,” Canales explained in the mixed zone.

He also reflected on the team’s mentality throughout the tournament and the upcoming match.

“Against Inter, we knew we had to get a result, and we approached it with that mindset. We need to be prepared for this kind of match. Tomorrow’s game could be similar against Dortmund,” he explained.

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

Canales is back, Rayados are confident, and this Tuesday they’ll face a major test against Borussia Dortmund in the Round of 16 of the Club World Cup. The good news for Monterrey is that they come into the match in form, full of confidence, and with a complete squad available - including Canales, who has fully recovered from the muscle issue that kept him out of the match against Urawa Reds.

Monterrey made a strong impression in the group stage: drawing with Inter Milan and River Plate - two historic giants - and crushing Urawa Reds 4-0. That not only secured their place in the knockout stage but also proved they are serious contenders.

The big question is whether that competitiveness will be enough to pull off an upset against a top European side like Borussia Dortmund. Historically, European clubs have dominated these stages, but Monterrey's strength lies in their chemistry, match rhythm, and the form of their leaders like Ramos, Berterame, and now Canales. If Rayados stay organized defensively, take advantage of transitions, and play with conviction, it’s not far-fetched to think of a historic upset.

This Club World Cup presents a real opportunity for a CONCACAF team to break the mold - and Monterrey has what it takes.

Mazatlan FC v Monterrey - Torneo Clausura 2025 Liga MX

WHAT JOSÉ ANTONIO NORIEGA SAID

Monterrey’s sporting president, José Antonio Noriega, emphasized Canales’ importance to the squad. Despite missing the previous match against Urawa Reds due to muscle soreness, he is fully recovered and ready to face Dortmund tomorrow.

“Sergio Canales is the cornerstone of this project - he helped open doors and proved that players of his caliber could commit to this club," Noriega stated. "He stepped up, called for the ball, scored important goals, and has shown leadership in big matches, which made it easier to attract other quality players.”

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DID YOU KNOW?

Another Sergio worth talking about - besides Canales - is the 38-year-old Sergio Ramos, who has delivered an outstanding performance in the Club World Cup. He started all three of manager Domènec Torrent’s matches in Group E, which Monterrey went through unbeaten: a 1-1 draw against Inter Milan (where he scored), a 0-0 draw with River Plate, and a 4-0 win over Urawa Red Diamonds. On top of that, he played every single minute.