Date: July 5, 2025
Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
In a match that echoed the highs and lows of true football drama, Real Madrid overcame an early two-goal lead to beat Borussia Dortmund 3–2 in stoppage time, booking their place in the semifinals.
🎯 Early Surge: Gonzalo García & Fran García Shine
Real Madrid struck lightning-fast:
10′: A beautifully threaded ball from Arda Güler found Gonzalo García, who delivered a composed finish to open the scoring .
19′: Hernández’s cross met Fran García, who thundered it home to double the lead .
By halftime, Los Blancos led 2–0, capturing full control of the pitch.
⏳ Late Drama: Dortmund’s Fightback
Despite being outplayed, Dortmund refused to bow:
90+2′: Maximilian Beier pulled a goal back with a low-driven finish, giving hope to the underdogs .
90+4′: Enter Kylian Mbappé, who smashed in a spectacular volley to seal a 3–1 advantage .
Yet Dortmund wasn't done:
90+6′: A stoppage-time penalty was converted by Serhou Guirassy, reducing it to 3–2 .
But time ran out for Dortmund — Madrid prevail.
🧠 Tactical Notes & Player Highlights
Xabi Alonso’s tactical setup: The 4-3-1-2 shape worked perfectly, controlling midfield and allowing Güler and Mbappé to flourish .
Defensive discipline: Courtois made multiple crucial saves; Madrid held firm until their late surge .
Dortmund’s momentum shift: Fresh substitutions gave them hope, but Madrid stayed compact under increasing pressure .
📊 Match Summary
EventDetail
Final ScoreReal Madrid 3–2 Borussia Dortmund
GoalscorersGarcía (10′), Fran García (19′), Mbappé (90+4′); Beier (90+2′), Guirassy pen (90+6′)
VenueMetLife Stadium, New Jersey
Formation (RMA)4‑3‑1‑2 under Xabi Alonso
Match StatsMadrid: 48.5% possession, 8 shots on goal; Dortmund: 51.5%, 5 shots on goal
🌟 What It Means
Madrid's resilience: Scoring in stoppage time shows mental strength and depth from the bench.
Dortmund’s comeback spirit: Despite squad gaps—like the absence of Jobe Bellingham—they nearly forced extra time .
Next up: Real Madrid will face PSG in the semifinals—a huge showdown!
✨ Emotional Take
This wasn’t just a win—it was a masterclass in character under pressure. Facing both early dominance and late resistance, Madrid delivered when it mattered most. Fans will remember Gonzalo García’s heroics, Fran García’s thunderbolt, and Mbappé’s iconic finish, securing a place in Club World Cup lore.