Real Madrid secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund to book their place in the Club World Cup semi-finals, where they will now face Paris Saint-Germain in a highly anticipated showdown. In a match filled with drama, momentum swings, and standout performances, it was Thibaut Courtois’ heroic save deep into stoppage time—specifically the 99th minute—that ultimately preserved Madrid’s narrow lead and ensured their passage to the next round.
The Spanish giants looked sharp in attack, with Kylian Mbappé delivering a moment of brilliance to put them ahead. His stunning strike underlined his world-class quality and gave Madrid a crucial edge. Trent Alexander-Arnold, who continues to impress in his hybrid role, played a key part as well, providing a pinpoint assist that led to another goal.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Real. Defender Dean Huijsen was sent off, forcing them to finish the match with ten men. Borussia Dortmund took advantage of the situation, pulling one back through a Serhou Guirassy penalty and pressing hard for an equaliser. But despite the pressure, Madrid held firm. Their grit and quality in key moments proved decisive in what was a captivating quarter-final clash.
Thibaut Courtois came to Real Madrid’s rescue in dramatic fashion, pulling off a remarkable save in the dying seconds to seal a 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund and send his side into the semi-finals of the Club World Cup, where they will face Paris Saint-Germain. The high-stakes quarter-final took place in New Jersey and was filled with late tension and momentum shifts, making for a thrilling encounter.
For much of the match, Real Madrid appeared to be in full control. The Spanish champions had taken a commanding 2-0 lead before halftime, with both Gonzalo Garcia and Fran Garcia getting on the scoresheet. Their goals capped off a dominant first-half performance in which Madrid looked sharper and more composed than their Bundesliga opponents.
However, what seemed like a straightforward path to victory became far more complicated in the closing stages. Borussia Dortmund mounted a late comeback, taking advantage of a red card to Real defender Dean Huijsen and a penalty converted by Serhou Guirassy. As Dortmund pushed for a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time, Courtois made a crucial intervention with a stunning save that preserved Madrid’s lead and ensured their progression.
Maximilian Beier caused a late scare for Real Madrid in the 92nd minute, capitalizing on a sloppy clearance from Antonio Rüdiger to pull one back for Borussia Dortmund. However, just two minutes later, Kylian Mbappé responded in stunning fashion, delivering a brilliant finish in the 94th minute to immediately restore Madrid’s two-goal lead and settle the nerves as full-time approached.
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Things took a dramatic turn for Real Madrid shortly after play resumed when Dean Huijsen was shown a red card for dragging down Serhou Guirassy. The Dortmund striker stepped up and confidently converted the resulting penalty in the 98th minute, cutting the deficit and putting serious pressure on the Spanish side.
Sensing vulnerability, Dortmund surged forward in search of a dramatic equaliser. Marcel Sabitzer came agonisingly close to finding it, unleashing a powerful shot destined for the bottom corner. But Thibaut Courtois came to Madrid’s rescue once again, producing a sensational save in the 99th minute to deny Sabitzer and secure Real’s narrow victory. It was a moment of brilliance from the Belgian keeper that ultimately ensured his side held on to their place in the Club World Cup semi-finals.
After delivering his first assist in the iconic white jersey during the previous round against Juventus, Trent Alexander-Arnold once again showcased his creative flair. This time, he sent a precise, low cross across the penalty area, finding fellow full-back Fran Garcia, who expertly finished to give Real Madrid their second goal of the match.
Reflecting on his close relationship with the late Diogo Jota during an interview with DAZN, Alexander-Arnold spoke warmly about his late teammate and friend. “He was someone very dear to me,” he said. “He had a presence that could brighten any room, always full of life and energy. I was fortunate to share the dressing room with him for five years, and those years are filled with unforgettable moments, both on and off the field.”
He added, “His legacy will never fade. Everyone who knew him will carry his memory with them. He was not only a remarkable footballer but an incredible person, and his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him.”
Real Madrid’s young talent Gonzalo Garcia is maintaining his impressive form at the tournament. Just ten minutes before Fran Garcia’s goal, Alexander-Arnold set up Gonzalo, who calmly finished from close range to score his fourth goal in only five games in this competition. The 21-year-old is clearly thriving in his role, shining brightly as he represents the club he has supported since childhood.
Gonzalo Garcia’s head coach, Xabi Alonso, praised the young striker’s impact, saying, “He’s putting in excellent work for the team, contributing effectively, and consistently finding himself in the right areas inside the box. He’s a natural number nine, and we’re really pleased with how well he’s performing.”
Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham came close to extending Real Madrid’s lead before the break. Although he missed out on facing his younger brother, Jobe—who was suspended for Borussia Dortmund—Bellingham had a golden opportunity to make it 3-0. However, his effort from the edge of the area drifted just wide of the post. Soon after, Vinicius Junior also threatened but sent a chipped attempt over the bar.
Following the interval, Real Madrid continued to dominate possession and looked the more dangerous side. Fede Valverde, Arda Güler, and Antonio Rüdiger each came close to finding a third goal as the clock ticked down. Despite their control, the match took a chaotic turn late on, setting the stage for the dramatic conclusion that followed.
Mbappe books PSG showdown with stunning goal
Mbappe’s lively appearance off the bench quickly evolved into a standout moment thanks to his spectacular scissor-kick goal — a moment of brilliance that lit up the MetLife Stadium and delivered exactly the kind of magic the fans had come to witness.
Now, he’ll be aiming to make a similar impression when Real Madrid return to the same venue on Wednesday for their semi-final clash against his former club, Paris Saint-Germain. Facing his old teammates on such a big stage, Mbappe will no doubt be eager to leave his mark once again.
