Real Madrid booked their place in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup after surviving a breathtaking finish against Borussia Dortmund that saw three goals, a red card, and moments of sheer chaos in the closing stages. What initially appeared to be a routine victory quickly turned into a nerve-shredding finale, but the Spanish giants ultimately emerged victorious with a 3-2 win that underlined both their attacking prowess and their vulnerability under pressure.
🏁 @realmadriden 3-2 @BlackYellow
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) July 5, 2025
⚽ 10' @gonzalo7garcia_
⚽ 20' @Frangarcia_11
⚽ 90'+2' Beier
⚽ 90'+4' @KMbappe
⚽ 90'+8' Guirassy (p) pic.twitter.com/hbOpkBH8tG
Madrid’s Dominant First Half: Garcia and Fran Strike Early
Real Madrid opened the match with the poise and confidence befitting their decorated history. Manager Carlo Ancelotti’s side wasted no time asserting control, dominating possession and dictating tempo through a fluid midfield led by Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde.
Their early dominance paid dividends in the 10th minute when Gonzalo Garcia, the tournament’s breakout star, volleyed home from close range following a beautifully weighted cross from Arda Güler. It was Garcia’s fourth goal of the competition, and once again he demonstrated his instinctive timing, composure, and ability to convert half-chances into goals.
Madrid continued to press high up the pitch, suffocating Dortmund’s ability to build from the back. Just ten minutes after the opener, the Spaniards doubled their lead. This time, it was full-back Fran Garcia who found himself in an advanced position, perfectly placed to tap in a low cross delivered with precision by Trent Alexander-Arnold. With a two-goal cushion and total control of the match, Madrid seemed destined for a comfortable evening.
Tactical Disruption and Dortmund’s Late Spark
Despite their commanding first-half display, Madrid’s rhythm faltered midway through the second half. Borussia Dortmund, initially sluggish and overwhelmed, began to regain a foothold in the match. The introduction of Maximilian Beier injected much-needed energy into the German side. Beier’s pace and directness caused problems for Madrid’s backline, who had grown complacent.
The turning point arrived in the 84th minute. With Madrid sitting deeper and looking to protect their lead, Dortmund capitalized on a defensive lapse. Beier picked up a loose ball on the edge of the box and fired a powerful low drive past goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. The goal, sudden and unexpected, galvanized Dortmund and stunned Madrid out of their comfort zone.
Ancelotti responded by bringing on Kylian Mbappé, who had been rested following a grueling run of fixtures. The French star made an immediate impact, showcasing his world-class quality. Just two minutes after Dortmund’s goal, Mbappé produced a moment of brilliance, launching himself into an acrobatic volley that soared past the keeper and into the net, restoring Madrid’s two-goal advantage at 3-1.
From Calm to Chaos: Red Card and Penalty Shift the Momentum
The match, however, was far from over. Moments after Mbappé’s goal, the drama escalated. Madrid’s young defender Dean Huijsen, under pressure and out of position, pulled back Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy inside the penalty area. The referee wasted no time showing a straight red card to Huijsen for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Guirassy, undeterred by the tension, stepped up and calmly converted the penalty in the 88th minute, cutting the deficit once again to a single goal. With the score at 3-2 and Madrid down to ten men, the remaining minutes turned into a siege.
Dortmund surged forward relentlessly, launching a barrage of crosses and shots as they searched for an equalizer. Marco Reus came inches away from scoring with a curling effort in stoppage time, only to be denied by a fingertip save from Lunin. The Ukrainian keeper, stepping in for the injured Thibaut Courtois, emerged as an unlikely hero, preserving Madrid’s lead with a string of late interventions.
Gonzalo Garcia Emerges as Golden Boot Contender
While the final moments were defined by tension and resilience, the match also served as a platform for Gonzalo Garcia’s continued rise. With his early volley, Garcia moved into joint-first position in the Club World Cup’s golden boot race, alongside Ángel Di María and Marcos Leonardo, both of whom have been eliminated from the tournament.
Garcia’s four goals in five appearances have established him as a reliable finisher in high-stakes moments. At just 20 years old, he is now viewed as one of Madrid’s most promising young talents. His sharp movement, composed finishing, and growing confidence have made him a pivotal figure in Ancelotti’s squad throughout this tournament.
Tactical Analysis: Strengths and Exposures
Madrid’s offensive fluidity, particularly in the first half, was a masterclass in quick transitions and intelligent movement. The combination of overlapping full-backs, inverted wingers, and mobile midfielders created space and confusion in Dortmund’s defense. Arda Güler, despite his youth, played a key role as a creative conduit, feeding Garcia and maintaining tempo.
However, the second half exposed familiar concerns. Defensive lapses, particularly when under pressure late in the game, highlighted a need for greater discipline. The red card to Huijsen, though unfortunate, was emblematic of Madrid’s tendency to lose composure when pressed. Ancelotti will undoubtedly address this before the semi-final, especially as suspension and fatigue begin to affect squad depth.
Real Madrid’s Path Ahead
With this narrow yet significant victory, Real Madrid now await the result of the quarter-final clash between Al Hilal and Flamengo to determine their semi-final opponent. Although their attacking credentials remain unquestioned, defensive questions linger—especially with Huijsen suspended and Courtois still sidelined.
Nonetheless, Madrid’s resilience in the face of adversity reaffirms their stature as perennial contenders. The blend of seasoned stars like Mbappé and Alexander-Arnold with emerging talents such as Garcia and Güler gives Ancelotti’s side both depth and dynamism.
As the Club World Cup progresses toward its climax, Madrid stand as a symbol of controlled chaos—flawed but fearless, shaken but unbroken. If this performance was any indication, fans can expect more fireworks as the Spanish champions chase yet another global title.
Projected Lineup Adjustments for Semi-Final
Given Huijsen’s red card and the mounting intensity of fixtures, Ancelotti is expected to rotate his squad in the semi-final. Eder Militão or Nacho Fernández may step into central defense, while Aurélien Tchouaméni could drop deeper to offer additional cover. Up front, Garcia is likely to retain his starting spot given his current form, with Rodrygo and Vinícius Jr. possibly returning to flank him as Madrid push for a spot in the final.
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⏩ Next match
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) July 5, 2025
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🗓️ 09/07 | 21:00 CEST
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Conclusion
Real Madrid’s 3-2 triumph over Borussia Dortmund will be remembered not only for its thrilling conclusion but also as a microcosm of their 2024-2025 campaign—explosive in attack, vulnerable under pressure, but undeniably determined. With a semi-final spot secured and momentum still intact, Madrid continue their quest for Club World Cup glory, armed with talent, tenacity, and a star named Garcia who may yet steal the global spotlight.
