In a night of dramatic and electrifying football at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Real Madrid defeated Borussia Dortmund 3-2 and advanced to the semifinals of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. The match had everything: early goals, a late comeback, cards, penalties, and a wonder goal from Kylian Mbappé, who came off the bench to make the difference. The Spanish giants will face Paris Saint-Germain, who knocked out Bayern Munich, for a spot in the final.
First Half: Madrid dominance and offensive efficiency
Real Madrid started in devastating form. In just the 10th minute, Gonzalo García opened the scoring with a close-range strike following a precise cross from Arda Güler: 1-0. Madrid’s pressure continued, and in the 20th minute, Fran García capitalized on a loose ball in the box and scored with his left foot: 2-0 Real.
Borussia Dortmund tried to respond with Brandt, Adeyemi, and Guirassy, but were denied by solid saves from Courtois. Real Madrid controlled 63% of the possession and registered 10 shots to Dortmund’s 3 in the first half.
Second Half: Emotions until the final second
The second half began with three Dortmund substitutions, including the introduction of Maximilian Beier, who would soon impact the game. Madrid maintained control, but Dortmund gradually gained momentum.
In the 67th minute, Mbappé, Modric, and Ceballos entered, adding fresh energy. Mbappé, showing great intent, nearly scored in the 75th minute. At 90+2’, Beier found a loose ball in the box and calmly slotted home: 2-1.
Just one minute later, Mbappé answered in style. Meeting a cross from Arda Güler, he volleyed home from close range with impeccable technique: 3-1. But the drama wasn’t over. At 90+5’, Dean Huijsen fouled Guirassy in the box and was sent off. Guirassy converted the penalty: 3-2.
In the final seconds, Sabitzer nearly equalized, but Courtois made a game-saving stop, sealing Madrid’s hard-fought qualification.
t
Tournament Impact: A classic clash vs PSG for a place in the final
With the victory, Real Madrid advances to face PSG in the semifinal, rekindling recent Champions League clashes. The winner will meet either Chelsea or Fluminense in the grand final. Borussia Dortmund, now out, turns its focus back to the Bundesliga season.
Tactical Analysis: Carlo Ancelotti wins on the margins
Real Madrid began in a 4-2-3-1 with Bellingham in an advanced role, supported by Tchouaméni and Valverde. Vinícius Jr started on the left, while Gonzalo García led the line. Defensively, Rüdiger and Alexander-Arnold were key in the build-up.
Borussia Dortmund lined up in a reactive 4-3-3 but struggled with spacing and lacked pressure. The introduction of Beier and Nmecha improved offensive mobility, though the defense couldn’t keep up with Madrid’s transitions.
Upcoming Fixtures
Real Madrid will face Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinal, scheduled for Wednesday (July 10) at the MetLife Stadium.
