Real Madrid Eliminates BVB in the Quarter-Finals Despite Late Surges
In a gripping quarter-final match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Real Madrid emerged victorious against Borussia Dortmund, securing a 3-2 win at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey [1][2][3].
### A Tightly Contested Match
The early stages of the game saw Real Madrid dominating, taking a swift 2-0 lead by the 20th minute. Gonzalo García, a 21-year-old striker, capitalised on a cross from Arda Güler to open the scoring, and Fran García extended the lead with a low strike from Trent Alexander-Arnold's cross [2][4].
Dortmund, missing Jude Bellingham due to suspension, struggled in the opening exchanges but managed to mount a comeback late in the game, scoring two stoppage-time goals to make the finish tense [1]. Maximilian Beier scored a late consolation goal for Dortmund in the 90+2 minute, and Serhou Guirassy added a stoppage-time penalty for Dortmund in the 90+8 minute [1][3].
### Young Talent Shines for Real Madrid
Gonzalo García, who stepped up after Kylian Mbappé was sidelined due to illness, was a standout player for Real Madrid, scoring his fourth goal of the tournament [2][4]. Mbappé returned to the field in the second half and scored a crucial goal in the 90+4 minute to make it 3-1 [1][3].
### Next Steps for Both Teams
With this victory, Real Madrid advanced to the semi-finals where they will face Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the next round, aiming to reach their sixth-ever Club World Cup final [2][3]. Dortmund, on the other hand, will receive a total of $53 million in FIFA prize money [5].
Julian Brandt described Dortmund's defeat as "bitter," while Luka Modric, the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner, played his last match for Real Madrid after 13 years and will leave the club after the Club World Cup [6].
Real Madrid will receive an additional $21 million for reaching the semifinal, and Felix Nmecha was surprise-substituted out before the game, with Sabitzer taking his place [5]. The second half of the match saw a wild final phase, with Real Madrid only doing what was necessary to maintain their lead [1].
Xabi Alonso made his debut as Real Madrid's coach against Borussia Dortmund in the Club World Cup quarter-final [7]. The semi-finals of the Club World Cup are set to take place in the coming days, with Real Madrid and PSG eager to secure a spot in the final.
Real Madrid's victory against Borussia Dortmund also showcased the talent of European leagues, as the young 21-year-old striker, Gonzalo García, scored four goals in the tournament, including one against Dortmund in the quarter-final match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. After the match, Real Madrid will face fellow European club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), in the semi-finals, aiming to secure a place in the European powerhouses' sixth-ever Club World Cup final.
