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**Summary:**

Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac acknowledges his team’s underdog status ahead of their Club World Cup quarter-final clash against Real Madrid. Despite an 11-match unbeaten streak, Dortmund faces a tough challenge against the Spanish giants, especially considering Real Madrid’s recent dominance in their head-to-head matchups, including last year’s Champions League final victory. However, Kovac expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete at the highest level, citing their recent form and competitive performances against strong opponents. He believes his players know what it takes to challenge Real Madrid and advance to the next round.

**News Article:**

**Dortmund Embraces Underdog Status in Club World Cup Clash Against Real Madrid**

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey, July 4 (Reuters) – Borussia Dortmund are embracing their underdog role ahead of their highly anticipated Club World Cup quarter-final against Real Madrid on Saturday, coach Niko Kovac said. The Bundesliga side will face a stern test against the La Liga giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, as they look to avenge last year’s Champions League final defeat.

“The players know exactly what it means to play against Real Madrid,” Kovac told reporters on Friday. “We’re expecting a lot of supporters, especially for Real Madrid. We’re here as an underdog but we also want to show our best face and hopefully pass to the next round.”

Dortmund are currently enjoying an 11-match unbeaten streak, but face a Real Madrid team who have dominated their recent encounters, winning their last four, including the 2-0 victory in the Champions League final.

Since Kovac took over in February, Dortmund have shown signs of revival. He expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete against Real Madrid, citing their strong finish to the Bundesliga season.

“We need high self-confidence when we face Real Madrid,” Kovac said. “The players, they showed they are able to compete with all of them. So I think this is a big reason for me to believe in my players.”

The match is expected to draw a large crowd in East Rutherford, with Real Madrid anticipated to have significant fan support.

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