Real Madrid Edges Dortmund 3-2 to Reach Club World Cup Semis

Real Madrid secured a spot in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinals with a 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund. Read more about the thrilling match and Madrid's journey.

Real Madrid secured a spot in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinals, edging Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in a dramatic match. This win marked their 14th victory in their last 15 CWC games, showcasing their dominance in the tournament. Under new manager Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid made a strong start to their quarterfinal tie.

Late drama at MetLife Stadium but @realmadrid claim the win. 🍿#FIFACWC

— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) July 5, 2025

Arda Güler's precise cross from the left flank found Gonzalo García, who volleyed home from six yards out with his fourth goal of the tournament, giving Real Madrid the lead.

Real Madrid's momentum continued as they doubled their lead after 20 minutes. A well-executed move involving their wing-backs ended with Fran García tapping home Trent Alexander-Arnold's cross at the far post.

Dortmund struggled to gain momentum in the first half, while Vinicius Junior posed a significant threat with two daring long-range attempts. He spotted Gregor Kobel off his line and tried to lob him twice from 40 yards, though both efforts fell short, they served as a stern warning to the German side.

Despite Dortmund's impressive form, having won nine of their last ten matches, they were being effectively contained by Real Madrid and showed little sign of mounting a comeback.

Dortmund finally threatened Thibaut Courtois in the 60th minute through Julian Brandt's low shot, which the Belgian goalkeeper comfortably saved. As the game seemed to shift in Dortmund's favor, Xabi Alonso brought on Luka Modric and Kylian Mbappe to alter the match's momentum. Almost immediately, Modric found space on the edge of the box, but his shot was safely gathered by Gregor Kobel.

Real Madrid dominated the final stages, showcasing fluid passing and keeping Dortmund on the back foot. However, Maximilian Beier managed to score a late consolation goal for Dortmund. The match ended in chaotic fashion, with Kylian Mbappe volleying home acrobatically just seconds after the restart, adding to the drama.

Immediately after the restart, Dortmund pushed forward and was awarded a penalty when Serhou Guirassy was fouled in the box by Dean Huijsen, resulting in Huijsen's red card.

Fran Garcia was the star of the show today earning him his first #SuperiorPlayerofTheMatch #SuperiorisWorthPlayingFor#FIFACWC@MichelobULTRA | @playformichelob pic.twitter.com/U0xpb0O5QK

— FIFA Club World Cup (@FIFACWC) July 5, 2025

Serhou Guirassy converted the resulting penalty, capping off a wild period of stoppage time. Real Madrid, having won four consecutive games, will face a tough test against PSG in the semifinals. Meanwhile, Dortmund's historic Club World Cup run came to an end, along with their 10-match unbeaten streak.