Mbappe Stars as Real Madrid Storm Past Dortmund 3-2 to Reach Club World Cup Semifinals
Real Madrid successfully withstood a dramatic late comeback attempt from Borussia Dortmund to secure their place in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinals.
In a repeat of the 2024 Champions League final encounter, Real Madrid faced Dortmund in the Club World Cup quarterfinals at MetLife Stadium. Manager Alonso maintained his starting eleven despite Kylian Mbappé being available for selection. This tactical choice proved successful when Gonzalo García opened the scoring within the first 10 minutes of play.
Arda Güler delivered an expertly placed cross into a threatening position, with Gonzalo perfectly positioned to finish with his right foot. The Real Madrid Castilla graduate has now contributed to the scoresheet in every match since Alonso took charge.
Los Blancos extended their advantage 10 minutes later through exceptional play from Trent Alexander-Arnold. The English defender made an impressive run into the penalty area before cutting back a pass for the advancing Fran García, who scored his maiden Club World Cup goal. Following an uncertain beginning in Madrid colors, Alexander-Arnold has now provided an assist in his previous two outings.
Dortmund began the second period aggressively, but the German side lacked the finishing touch needed to beat Thibaut Courtois. Real Madrid quickly regained control and continued to outplay Niko Kovač's team. Just as the Spanish champions appeared set for a comfortable 2–0 triumph, dramatic events unfolded in the closing stages.
Maximilian Beier reduced the deficit for Dortmund in the 92nd minute, followed by Mbappé's stunning overhead kick that made it 3–1. In the dying moments of stoppage time, two minutes after the goal, Dean Huijsen fouled Serhou Guirassy in the penalty area. The Real Madrid center-back received a red card, and Guirassy successfully converted the penalty to bring BVB back within striking distance.
The Spanish powerhouse managed to see out the match with ten players, claiming their fourth straight victory under Alonso's guidance. The 3–2 result propelled Real Madrid into the semifinals, where they will meet Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, July 9.
Review the individual player ratings from the encounter below.
Real Madrid Player Ratings vs. Dortmund (4-3-1-2)
*Ratings provided by FotMob*
Position / Player | Ratings (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
GK: Thibaut Courtois | 7.2 |
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold | 7.2 |
CB: Antonio Rüdiger | 5.7 |
CB: Dean Huijsen | 5.5 |
LB: Fran García | 8.2 |
CM: Fede Valverde | 7.7 |
CM: Aurélien Tchouaméni | 7.4 |
CM: Arda Güler | 8.8 |
AM: Jude Bellingham | 7.3 |
ST: Gonzalo García | 7.7 |
ST: Vinícius Júnior | 6.8 |
SUB: Dani Ceballos (67' for Bellingham) | 6.4 |
SUB: Kylian Mbappé (68' for Alexander-Arnold) | 7.8 |
SUB: Luka Modrić (68' for Vinícius Júnior) | 6.8 |
SUB: Raúl Asencio (85' for Tchouaméni) | N/A |
SUB: Rodrygo (86' for G. García) | N/A |
Dortmund Player Ratings vs. Real Madrid (3-4-2-1)
*Ratings provided by FotMob*
Position / Player | Ratings (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
GK: Gregor Kobel | 5.8 |
CB: Niklas Süle | 6.3 |
CB: Waldemar Anton | 6 |
CB: Ramy Bensebaini | 6.1 |
RWB: Julian Ryerson | 6.4 |
DM: Marcel Sabitzer | 7.4 |
DM: Pascal Groß | 6.4 |
LWB: Daniel Svensson | 7.1 |
AM: Julian Brandt | 6.5 |
AM: Karim Adeyemi | 5.9 |
ST: Serhou Guirassy | 8 |
SUB: Yan Couto (46' for Süle) | 6.2 |
SUB: Felix Nmecha (46' for Groß) | 6.1 |
SUB: Maximilian Beier (46' for Adeyemi) | 7.9 |
SUB: Julien Duranville (63' for Brandt) | 6 |
SUB: Carney Chukwuemeka (82' for Duranville) | N/A |