Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarterfinals on July 5, 2025, booking their place in the semifinals against Paris Saint-Germain. The match, a rematch of the 2024 UEFA Champions League final, lived up to its billing as a high-stakes showdown, with late drama and a crucial last-gasp save by Thibaut Courtois ensuring Los Blancosâ progression in a game that showcased both their attacking prowess and defensive resilience.
The game began with Real Madrid asserting early dominance, capitalizing on their depth and experience under head coach Xabi Alonso. Just 10 minutes in, academy product Gonzalo GarcĂa opened the scoring with a clinical volley, meeting Arda GĂŒlerâs hooked cross to fire past Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. The Spanish giants doubled their lead 10 minutes later when Fran GarcĂa, another youth academy graduate, latched onto a deflected low cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold to guide a precise shot into the net after Dortmund were caught playing out from the back. The early 2-0 cushion reflected Madridâs control, as they dictated the tempo with sharp passing and dynamic movement, led by the creative interplay of Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde in midfield.
Borussia Dortmund, managed by Niko KovaÄ, struggled to find their rhythm in the first half but showed flashes of their high-energy style. Despite missing key players like Emre Can, Salih Ăzcan, and Nico Schlotterbeck due to injuries, and with Jobe Bellingham sidelined by a suspension following two yellow cards in earlier matches, Dortmund relied on the attacking threat of Serhou Guirassy and Karim Adeyemi. However, Madridâs defense, marshaled by Antonio RĂŒdiger, held firm, and a low drive from Jude Bellingham just before halftime fizzed narrowly past the post, a reminder of his intent against his former club.
The second half saw Dortmund mount a comeback, with their youthful squad pushing to exploit gaps in Madridâs rotated lineup. Substitutions in the 68th minute brought fresh legs for Real Madrid, with Kylian MbappĂ©, Luka ModriÄ, and Dani Ceballos entering the fray for Bellingham, VinĂcius JĂșnior, and Alexander-Arnold. MbappĂ©, carefully managed after a recent illness, proved decisive in the 92nd minute of stoppage time, scoring a stunning acrobatic goal to restore Madridâs two-goal lead at 3-1. The goal, a highlight-reel moment, seemed to seal the match, but Dortmundâs resilience turned the final minutes into a frenzy.
A late red card to Real Madridâs Dean Huijsen for a foul in the box handed Dortmund a lifeline, with Guirassy calmly converting the penalty in the 98th minute to make it 3-2. Moments earlier, Maximilian Beier had pulled one back for Dortmund with a clean finish, setting the stage for a chaotic finish. As the clock ticked down, Dortmundâs Marcel Sabitzer unleashed a powerful shot in the final seconds, only for Courtois to produce a remarkable save, denying an equalizer and preserving Madridâs victory. The save, celebrated wildly by the Madrid faithful, underscored Courtoisâ importance in clutch moments.
Dortmundâs spirited performance highlighted their potential, with players like Yan Couto and Julien Duranville causing problems, though the latter was forced off due to injury. Despite a yellow card for Couto and missed opportunities, including a wayward shot from outside the box, Dortmundâs high-pressing style and counter-attacking threat kept Madrid on edge. However, Real Madridâs clinical finishing and experience proved the difference, with their unbeaten run in the Club World Cupânow 20 matches across all formatsâremaining intact.
The match was not without its challenges, with delays caused by injuries to Fran GarcĂa and Duranville, but referee Ramon Abatti, officiating his third game of the tournament, maintained control despite the high stakes. Real Madridâs tactical setup, a 3-5-2 formation emphasizing solid defense and quick counters, allowed them to weather Dortmundâs late storm, while Alonsoâs substitutions showcased the squadâs depth.