Published on Jul 06, 2025
Real Madrid booked their place in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals after a pulsating 3–2 victory over Borussia Dortmund at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. In a match filled with early dominance, late drama, and breathtaking moments, Los Blancos held on by the narrowest of margins to set up a high-stakes semifinal clash with Paris Saint Germain.
Xabi Alonso’s men took command from the opening whistle. Just 10 minutes in, Gonzalo Garcia broke the deadlock, volleying in expertly from an Arda Guler cross to continue his breakout tournament. Ten minutes later, full-back Fran García doubled the lead, ghosting into the box to finish a well-placed pass from T. Alexander-Arnold.
Real Madrid looked in total control and dominated the first half with calm possession, aggressive pressing, and sharp transitions. Borussia Dortmund, meanwhile, struggled to cope with Madrid’s pace and width.
Dortmund were largely second best until the dying minutes when the game suddenly came to life.
In the 92nd minute, substitute Maximilian Beier capitalized on a defensive lapse to pull one back, sparking hopes of a dramatic turnaround. But just two minutes later, returning from illness produced a moment of magic. Lurking near the penalty spot, the Frenchman launched into a bicycle kick that flew past the Dortmund keeper and restored Madrid’s two-goal cushion.
Yet the chaos wasn’t over. Dean Huijsen was sent off in the 95th minute for a last-man foul inside the box. Serhou Guirassy converted the resulting penalty, making it 3–2 and setting up a nervy finale.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was then called into action, producing a crucial fingertip save in stoppage time to deny Dortmund an equalizer. The final whistle was met with relief from the Madrid bench.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso took risks starting young stars Gonzalo García and Arda Güler while leaving Mbappé on the bench. The decision paid off handsomely. García opened the scoring, Güler was instrumental in build-up play, and Mbappé delivered the defining moment of the match.
However, Huijsen’s red card means Madrid will be without the defender for the semi-final, adding a layer of concern to an otherwise jubilant result.
Madrid will now face PSG in the Club World Cup semi-finals a heavyweight showdown between two of Europe’s most star-studded clubs. After their late scare, Madrid know they’ll need a full 90-minute performance to overcome the Parisians.
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