Club World Cup: Real Madrid survive late scare to advance past Dortmund into the semi-final

Julian Ryerson of Borussia Dortmund tussles with Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid during Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund

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Julian Ryerson of Borussia Dortmund tussles with Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid during the Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund FIFA Club World Cup quarter final match at Metlife Stadium, New Jersey. Picture credit: David Klein Sportimage

Club World Cup: Real Madrid survive late scare to advance past Dortmund into the semi-final

Faruq Ibrahim 23:18 - 05.07.2025

Kylian Mbappé scored the winner as Real Madrid triumphed in the 5-goal thriller against Dortmund.

Real Madrid were cruising to victory after opening a two-goal lead but complicated the issue for themselves, allowing two avoidable goals in their 3-2 victory.

Gonzalo Garcia scored the opener for Real Madrid to go level with Seirhou Guirassy on goals scored, but the Guinean forward scored later in the game to restore his advantage. Kylian Mbappe came off the bench to score the would-be winner.

Key match details

 Gonzalo Garcia's clinical volley from Arda Guler's cross gave Madrid the lead, and they doubled their advantage when Fran García tapped home Trent Alexander-Arnold's precise delivery. Dortmund struggled to create chances for most of the first half.

The German side's luck changed on the hour mark when Julian Brandt's shot was saved by Thibaut Courtois. Alonso introduced Luka Modric and Kylian Mbappe to inject fresh energy, and the Croatian's shot was saved by Gregor Kobel. Madrid dominated the closing stages, but Dortmund snatched what seemed like a late consolation goal through Maximilian Beier.

The game's final minutes were chaotic. Mbappe volleyed home seconds after the restart, but Dortmund responded with a penalty earned by Serhou Guirassy, who converted the spot kick after Dean Huijsen's red card. 

Dortmund came close to an incredible equaliser, but Marcel Sabitzer saw his effort saved by Thibaut Courtois. Madrid held on and have now booked a semi-final clash against Paris Saint-Germain.