Min, 06-07-2025 05.22

Real Madrid Advance to Club World Cup Semifinals After Thrilling 3–2 Win Over Dortmund

New Jersey, July 5, 2025 — Real Madrid secured their place in the semifinals of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 after edging past Borussia Dortmund in a tense and action-packed match that ended 3–2 at MetLife Stadium, USA.

First Half: Madrid in Total Control

From the opening whistle, Los Blancos imposed their tempo. Their dynamic midfield play and quick wing attacks paid off early, as Gonzalo García opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a composed finish from an Arda Güler assist.

Just nine minutes later, Madrid doubled their lead. Full-back Fran García made a well-timed run and buried the ball into the net after receiving a sharp through pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold, sending Madrid 2–0 ahead at halftime.

Second Half: Dortmund Fight Back, Madrid Hold Firm

Dortmund came out fighting in the second half, pushing Madrid back with a flurry of attacks from wide areas. Still, Madrid’s defense—anchored by Antonio Rüdiger and Aurélien Tchouaméni—held strong.

The match exploded in stoppage time. In the 90+3rd minute, Maximilian Beier pulled one back for Dortmund, capitalizing on a lapse in Madrid's defense.

But Madrid responded almost instantly. One minute later, Kylian Mbappé, who had just come off the bench, rose highest to head home a perfect cross from Brahim Díaz, restoring the two-goal cushion at 3–1.

Red Card & Penalty Drama

The drama didn’t end there. In the 90+6th minute, Madrid defender Dean Huijsen was sent off after committing a last-man foul inside the box. Referee awarded a penalty, which Serhou Guirassy coolly converted to make it 3–2.

Dortmund threw everything forward in the final seconds, but Madrid held their ground until the final whistle.

Madrid Set for Semifinal Showdown vs PSG

With this result, Real Madrid advance to the semifinals, where they will face Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), who earlier eliminated Bayern Munich with a 2–0 win. The upcoming clash is expected to be one of the tournament’s marquee matchups. (Zulrzk)