Real Madrid have advanced to the semi-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after a thrilling 3–2 victory over Borussia Dortmund in a match full of late drama and unforgettable moments, News.Az reports.
Madrid started strong, taking a 2–0 lead within the first 20 minutes. Gonzalo García opened the scoring in the 9th minute after a sharp assist from Fran García. Just 11 minutes later, Fran García doubled the lead with a composed finish from close range.
Dortmund struggled to respond until stoppage time, when Maximilian Beier pulled one back in the 93rd minute. However, Madrid quickly answered with a stunning bicycle kick goal from Kylian Mbappé in the 94th minute, moments after coming off the bench. In the 97th minute, after a red card for Madrid defender Dean Huijsen, Dortmund were awarded a penalty, which Serhou Guirassy converted to make it 3–2.
Despite the late pressure from Dortmund, Madrid held on to secure the win. Fran García was named Man of the Match for his goal and assist. Thibaut Courtois made a crucial save in the dying seconds to preserve the lead.
With this win, Real Madrid will face Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals. PSG had earlier defeated Bayern Munich 2–0. Borussia Dortmund, who came into the match on an 11-game unbeaten run, are now eliminated from the tournament.
Madrid’s experience and squad depth proved decisive, as head coach Xabi Alonso continues to impress with his tactical leadership. The match also marked another dominant performance from young forward Gonzalo García, who has become a breakout star of the tournament.
The victory adds another memorable chapter to Madrid's Club World Cup history, and all eyes now turn to their upcoming clash with PSG.
