Real Madrid clinched a nail-biting 3–2 win over Borussia Dortmund to seal their spot in the Club World Cup semi-final, surviving an electrifying stoppage-time spell that saw three goals and a red card.

Madrid appeared in control early on, with rising star Gonzalo Garcia volleying home Arda Güler’s inch-perfect cross in the 10th minute, notching his fourth goal of the tournament. 

Fran Garcia doubled the lead ten minutes later, calmly converting Trent Alexander-Arnold’s delivery.

But the game flipped dramatically in the final stretch. Dortmund’s Maximilian Beier reignited their hopes with a precise strike. Kylian Mbappé, brought off the bench, responded instantly with an acrobatic volley to restore Madrid’s cushion—only for defender Dean Huijsen to be dismissed seconds later after conceding a penalty. 

Serhou Guirassy coolly converted from the spot to bring Dortmund within a goal, but time ran out.

Garcia’s breakout form continues to amaze, now level atop the golden boot leaderboard with four goals, tied with Angel Di Maria and Marcos Leonardo—both already out of contention. 

Previously a fringe figure with just one goal in six appearances for Los Blancos, Garcia’s energetic pressing and clinical finishing have forced manager Xabi Alonso to keep him in the lineup over even megastars like Mbappé.

Huijsen impressed until his late dismissal, while veteran keeper Thibaut Courtois delivered a jaw-dropping save in the dying seconds to deny Marcel Sabitzer and preserve the victory.

Though Dortmund struggled to impose themselves, Julian Brandt was a standout in attack, threatening Madrid’s backline repeatedly.

The win sends Madrid to the semi-final showdown against PSG at MetLife Stadium, while Dortmund will shift focus to the Bundesliga, resuming domestic action in mid-August against Essen.

Garcia’s rise adds a compelling subplot to Madrid’s quest for global silverware—one that might just reshape their squad dynamics for next season.

Source: BBC

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